Integrated piping plate, machining method for same, machining apparatus for same, and machining equipment for same

ABSTRACT

A machining method for an integrated piping plate, for example, composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus, or the instrument, or the component are or is disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and the instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component are or is connected by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formed in the plates. The machining method welds the joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, for example, by an FSW welding machine, to join the plates. Compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive, the machining method can increase the durability of the plate joining portion and increase pressure resistance. Also, the method can increase work efficiency and further downsize the integrated piping plate.

The entire disclosure of each of Japanese Patent Application Nos.2001-026881, 2001-176898, 2001-205831 and 2001-267095 filed on Feb. 2,2001, Jun. 12, 2001, Jul. 6, 2001 and Sep. 4, 2001, respectively,including specification, claims, drawings and summary is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an integrated piping plate for use in a fixedunit incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an apparatus, or a unitintegrated so as to be transportable, and a machining method for theintegrated piping plate, a machining apparatus for the integrated pipingplate, and machining equipment for the integrated piping plate.

2. Description of the Related Art

An integrated piping plate is used as a subsystem for a fixed unitincorporating piping, wiring, etc. into an apparatus, or a transportableintegrated unit, and is mainly responsible for controlling the supply,discharge, etc. of a fluid used in the above units.

The above units are composed of various instruments, components, piping,wiring, and so on. Large and small piping lines are providedcomplicatedly everywhere in order that liquids or gases with variousproperties, temperatures and pressures continuously flow among theseinstruments, etc. Sensors and control instruments for control of theapparatus are also provided, and many necessary interconnections forthem are laid. With devices of which downsizing including weightreduction, in particular, is required, efforts are made to arrangenumerous instruments, components, piping, etc. highly densely in anarrow space. An integrated piping plate is applied as means forconstructing a fixed unit incorporating piping, wiring, etc. into anapparatus, or a transportable integrated unit.

FIGS. 50A and 50B show an example of a configurational drawing of aconventional integrated piping plate.

As shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B, the conventional integrated piping plateis composed of plates 521, 524 having grooves 531 and communicationholes 534 machined therein, and complicated channels such as the grooves531 are formed by casting. The grooves 531 may be formed by othermethods, including cutting with an end mill, a milling machine, or adrilling machine. In a surface of the plate 521 in contact with theplate 524, the grooves 531 having predetermined sectional areas suitablefor the velocities of the corresponding fluids and having suitabledirections and lengths corresponding to the locations of thecommunication holes 534 are formed as channels connecting instruments525 and components 525 a arranged on the plate 524. Thus, theinstruments 525 and the components 525 a are brought into communicationby the communication holes 534. The grooves 531 and the communicationholes 534 are in charge of the function of piping through which fluidsor gases flow.

The plate 521 and plate 524 machined by the above method are joined byan adhesive so as to seal the grooves 531. Concretely, joining surfacesof the plates 521 and 524 are coated with the adhesive, and then bolts526 are screwed into tapped holes 528 of the plate 521 through boltholes 527 of the plate 524. Pressure is imposed on the plates 521 and524 thereby in a direction in which they are joined together. Further,the plates are heated for bonding so that the grooves 531 are sealed.

The instruments 525 and components 525 a arranged on the plate 524 aremounted by screwing bolts (not shown) into tapped holes 529 of the plate524 via a sealing material. These instruments 525 and components 525 acontrol the fluid flowing into the grooves 531 through the communicationholes 534. Pipe connectors 522 for supplying and discharging the fluidare mounted on the plate 521 to supply and discharge the fluid to andfrom the instruments 525 and components 525 a through the grooves 531and communication holes 534.

Such an integrated piping plate is disclosed, for example, in JapanesePatent Publication No. 1974-13651.

With the above-described conventional integrated piping plate, theplates constituting the integrated piping plate are cast into shape bysimple molds, or shaped by cutting. Thus, portions which will giveexcess weight remain, posing problems about weight reduction anddownsizing of the integrated piping plate. In order for the grooves tofunction as channels for fluids, there is need for the step ofperforming surface treatment of the groove portions, but this is not amethod suitable for mass production.

Also, the adhesive is used for joining of the plates. This results in alow work efficiency, and is not very suitable for mass production. Thebolts for fixing of the plates impede the downsizing of the integratedpiping plate.

The excess wall thickness of the plate is present around the grooveshaving the function of piping. Thus, even when the fluid flowing throughthe grooves is to be cooled via the plate, it is difficult to raise thecooling efficiency.

In addition to the above problem, the integrated piping plate accordingto the present invention constitutes, for example, part of a fuel cellpower generation system. Technical requirements for the integratedpiping plate are volume production and low cost as in the case of thefuel cell power generation system. Further, downsizing including weightreduction, and a good response in controlling are demanded. Promptvolume production and cost reduction are demanded of the system by themarket. There are not a few problems in fulfilling the requirementsassociated with future demand, such as actual volume production and costreduction.

Thus, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention has asan object the provision of an integrated piping plate for apparatusessuch as a fuel cell power generation system, the integrated piping platewhose assembly is facilitated by incorporating complicated piping andsome components and wiring into the plate, and which is safe and permitsdownsizing of the apparatus.

It is another object of the invention to provide a machining method, amachining apparatus, and machining equipment for an integrated pipingplate capable of improving the durability and pressure resistance of aplate joining portion, increasing work efficiency, and achieving furtherdownsizing.

The invention also provides an integrated piping plate and a machiningmethod for it, which can realize volume production and cost reduction,and achieve downsizing including weight reduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is anintegrated piping plate composed of two or more plates joined together,and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

-   -   the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality        of the integrated piping plates are provided, and    -   a corrosion-proof layer is formed on a surface of each of the        grooves.

According to the integrated piping plate of the first invention, thechannels corresponding to the conventional piping are present in theintegrated piping plate, and the entire apparatus such as the fuel cellpower generation system can be easily modularized, and downsized.Moreover, it suffices to assemble the respective constituent instrumentsand components to predetermined positions, and there is no need for acomplicated pipe laying operation in a narrow space. Thus, the assemblywork is easy and the work efficiency is increased. Furthermore, thereare few seams, reducing the risk of fluid leakage. Since thecorrosion-proof layer is formed on the surface of the groove, moreover,corrosion by the fluid flowing through the groove is prevented by thecorrosion-proof layer, so that the life of the integrated piping platecan be prolonged.

The integrated piping plate of a second invention is the integratedpiping plate of the first invention, wherein

the corrosion-proof layer is also formed on the joining surface of eachof the plates.

According to the integrated piping plate of the second invention, thecorrosion-proof layer is also formed on the joining surface of theplate. Thus, corrosion by the ingredient in the adhesive for joining theplate is prevented by the corrosion-proof layer, so that the life of theintegrated piping plate can be prolonged.

The integrated piping plate of a third invention is the integratedpiping plate of the first or second invention, wherein

the corrosion-proof layer is formed by coating with or lining withfluorocarbon resin.

The integrated piping plate of a fourth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the first or second invention, wherein

the corrosion-proof layer is formed by application of an aluminum oxidefilm.

In the integrated piping plate of the third or fourth invention as well,the corrosion-proof layer is formed by coating with or lining withfluorocarbon resin, or by application of an aluminum oxide film. Thus,corrosion by the fluid flowing through the groove, or the ingredient inthe adhesive is prevented by the corrosion-proof layer, so that the lifeof the integrated piping plate can be prolonged.

The integrated piping plate of a fifth invention is an integrated pipingplate composed of two or more plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of theintegrated piping plates are provided,

each of the plates is welded at a position of a weld line surrounding aperiphery of each of the grooves, and

each of the fluids flowing through the groove is sealed up at a site ofthe weld line.

According to the integrated piping plate of the fifth invention, theplate is welded at a position of a weld line surrounding the peripheryof the groove, and the fluid flowing through the groove is sealed up atthe site of the weld line. Thus, sealing of the fluid can be performedreliably.

The integrated piping plate of a sixth invention is an integrated pipingplate composed of two or more plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one ofsurfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided, and

the plurality of the integrated piping plates are integrally fixed, withback surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates beingsuperposed, to constitute a three-dimensional module.

According to the integrated piping plate of the sixth invention, theplurality of the integrated piping plates are integrally fixed, withback surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates beingsuperposed, to constitute a three-dimensional module. Thus, furtherdownsizing of the apparatus can be achieved, the channels and controlsystem for fluids can be shortened, response can be quickened, andcontrol can be facilitated.

The integrated piping plate of a seventh invention is the integratedpiping plate of the sixth invention, wherein

a heat insulator is interposed between the back surfaces of theplurality of the integrated piping plates to constitute a heatinsulating three-dimensional module.

According to the integrated piping plate of the seventh invention, aheat insulator is interposed between the back surfaces of the pluralityof the integrated piping plates to constitute a heat insulatingthree-dimensional module. Thus, low temperature instruments, such as acontrol instrument, can be disposed on the other integrated piping platein proximity to high temperature instruments disposed on one of theintegrated piping plates.

The integrated piping plate of an eighth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the sixth invention, wherein

a separator is interposed between the back surfaces of the plurality ofthe integrated piping plates to constitute a heat insulatingthree-dimensional module.

According to the integrated piping plate of the eighth invention, aseparator is interposed between the back surfaces of the plurality ofthe integrated piping plates to constitute a heat insulatingthree-dimensional module. Since the high temperature side integratedpiping plate having the high temperature instruments disposed thereon,and the low temperature side integrated piping plate having the lowtemperature instruments disposed thereon can be separated by theseparator, thermal influence from each other can be avoided.

The integrated piping plate of a ninth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the eighth invention, wherein

a heat insulator is interposed between the separator and one or all ofthe back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates.

According to the integrated piping plate of the ninth invention, a heatinsulator is interposed between the back surfaces of the plurality ofthe integrated piping plates and the separator. Thus, a heat insulatingeffect is further enhanced.

The integrated piping plate of a tenth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the sixth invention, wherein

the instrument and the component constituting the apparatus areinterposed, or the instrument is interposed, or the component isinterposed, between the back surfaces of the plurality of the integratedpiping plates.

According to the integrated piping plate of the tenth invention, theinstrument and the component constituting the apparatus are interposed,or the instrument is interposed, or the component is interposed, betweenthe back surfaces of the plurality of the integrated piping plates.Thus, the spacing between the integrated piping plates is effectivelyutilized, and the apparatus can be further downsized. Further, theconstituent instrument and/or component separate(s) the integratedpiping plates, and can be expected to show a heat insulating effect.

The integrated piping plate of an eleventh invention is the integratedpiping plate of the tenth invention, wherein

a heat insulator is interposed between the back surfaces of theplurality of the integrated piping plates and the instrument and thecomponent, or the instrument, or the component interposed between theback surfaces.

According to the integrated piping plate of the eleventh invention, aheat insulator is interposed between the back surfaces of the pluralityof the integrated piping plates and the instrument and the component, orthe instrument, or the component interposed between the back surfaces.Thus, a heat insulating effect becomes marked.

The integrated piping plate of a twelfth invention is an integratedpiping plate composed of two or more plates joined together, and inwhich

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one ofsurfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

a plurality of the integrated piping plates are provided, and

the plurality of the integrated piping plates are disposed on a samerest, with heat insulating intervals being kept between each other.

According to the integrated piping plate of the twelfth invention, theplurality of the integrated piping plates are disposed on the same rest,with heat insulating intervals being kept between each other. Thus,these integrated piping plates can ignore (prevent) thermal influencefrom each other.

The integrated piping plate of a thirteenth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the twelfth invention, wherein

a heat insulator is interposed between the plurality of the integratedpiping plates and the rest.

According to the integrated piping plate of the thirteenth invention, aheat insulator is interposed between the plurality of the integratedpiping plates and the rest. Thus, a heat insulating effect is furtherimproved.

The integrated piping plate of a fourteenth invention is an integratedpiping plate composed of two or more plates joined together, and inwhich

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of theintegrated piping plates are provided, and

a heat shutoff groove is provided between a high temperature zone wherethe instrument and the component at a high temperature are disposed, orthe instrument at a high temperature is disposed, or the component at ahigh temperature is disposed, and a low temperature zone where theinstrument and the component at a low temperature are disposed, or theinstrument at a low temperature is disposed, or the component at a lowtemperature is disposed.

According to the integrated piping plate of the fourteenth invention, aheat shutoff groove is provided between a high temperature zone wherethe instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component ata high temperature are or is disposed, and a low temperature zone wherethe instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component ata low temperature are or is disposed. Thus, heat from the hightemperature zone is shut off, whereby the influence of heat on the lowtemperature zone cannot be exerted.

The integrated piping plate of a fifteenth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the fourteenth invention, wherein

a heat insulator is filled into the heat shutoff groove.

According to the integrated piping plate of the fifteenth invention, aheat insulator is filled into the heat shutoff groove. Thus, the effectof heat shutoff between the high temperature zone and the lowtemperature zone can be further increased.

The integrated piping plate of a sixteenth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the fourteenth invention, wherein

a refrigerant is flowed through the heat shutoff groove.

According to the integrated piping plate of the sixteenth invention, arefrigerant is flowed through the heat shutoff groove. Thus, the effectof heat shutoff between the high temperature zone and the lowtemperature zone can be further increased.

The integrated piping plate of a seventeenth invention is an integratedpiping plate composed of two or more plates joined together, and inwhich

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of theintegrated piping plates are provided, and

the instrument or component constituting the apparatus, a controlinstrument, or electrical wiring is incorporated into one of or all ofthe plates.

According to the integrated piping plate of the seventeenth invention,the instrument or component constituting the apparatus, a controlinstrument, or electrical wiring is incorporated into one of or all ofthe plates. Thus, the entire apparatus such as a fuel cell powergeneration system can be further downsized.

The integrated piping plate of an eighteenth invention is an integratedpiping plate composed of two or more plates joined together, and inwhich

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of theintegrated piping plates are provided, corrosion resistant piping isaccommodated in some of or all of the grooves, and

a corrosive fluid is flowed through the corrosion resistant piping.

According to the integrated piping plate of the eighteenth invention,corrosion resistant piping is accommodated in some of or all of thegrooves, and a corrosive fluid is flowed through the corrosion resistantpiping. Thus, even if the grooves (channels) are numerous andcomplicated, corrosion resistance to the corrosive fluid can be easilyensured, without need for an advanced machining technology. Moreover, itis possible to select and use the corrosion resistant piping of amaterial adapted for the properties of the corrosive fluid, so that thereliability of corrosion resisting performance is increased.Furthermore, treatment for corrosion resistance (channel formation usingcorrosion resistant piping) can be restricted to the channels for thecorrosive fluid. Thus, machining man-hours are reduced, and theintegrated piping plate can be provided for a low price. Besides, whencorrosion resisting performance declines because of secular changes,corrosion resisting performance can be resumed simply by replacing thecorrosion resistant piping accommodated in the integrated piping plate,rather than replacing the integrated piping plate. Thus, the cost ofmaintenance can be reduced.

The integrated piping plate of a nineteenth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the eighteenth invention, wherein

a flexible material is used as a material for the corrosion resistantpiping.

According to the integrated piping plate of the nineteenth invention, aflexible material is used as a material for the corrosion resistantpiping. Thus, after integration of the integrated piping plate, thecorrosion resistant piping can be inserted into the groove, or thecorrosion resistant piping can be replaced. Hence, workability can beincreased.

The integrated piping plate of a twentieth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the eighteenth or nineteenth invention, wherein

each of end portions of the corrosion resistant piping is joined by useof a first joining member having a through-hole having a conicalsurfaced formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a secondjoining member having a conical surface formed in an outer peripheralsurface thereof, in such a manner that

an outer diameter side of the end portion is supported by the conicalsurface of the first joining member, and

an inner diameter side of the end portion is supported by the conicalsurface of the second joining member.

According to the integrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, ajoining operation for the corrosion resistant piping can be performedeasily, and leakage of the fluid can be prevented reliably.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-first invention is theintegrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein

the first joining member is formed integrally with the plate.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-second invention is theintegrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein

the second joining member is formed integrally with the instrument andthe component, or the instrument, or the component.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-third invention is theintegrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein

the first joining member is formed integrally with the plate, and

the second joining member is formed integrally with the instrument andthe component, or the instrument, or the component.

According to the integrated piping plate of the twenty-first,twenty-second or twenty-third invention, the first joining member isformed integrally with the plate, or the second joining member is formedintegrally with the instrument and the component, or the instrument, orthe component, or the first joining member is formed integrally with theplate, and the second joining member is formed integrally with theinstrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component. Thus,the number of the components is decreased, and the joining operation isfacilitated.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-fourth invention is theintegrated piping plate of the twentieth invention, wherein

the first joining member is divided into a plurality of portions.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-fifth invention is theintegrated piping plate of the twenty-second invention, wherein

the first joining member is divided into a plurality of portions.

According to the integrated piping plate of the twenty-fourth ortwenty-fifth invention, the first joining member is divided into aplurality of portions. Thus, the efficiency of the joining operation canbe increased, particularly if the corrosion resistant piping of a highlyrigid material is used, or if the path of the piping is complicated.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-sixth invention is an integratedpiping plate composed of three or more plates joined together, and inwhich

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of theintegrated piping plates are provided.

According to the integrated piping plate of the twenty-sixth invention,even when many grooves are provided in agreement with many instrumentsand components, the layout of the grooves is simplified, and theinstruments and components can be arranged compactly.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-seventh invention is theintegrated piping plate of the twenty-sixth invention, wherein

the grooves in a plurality of stages formed in the joining surfaces ofthe respective plates are allocated to a high temperature zone and a lowtemperature zone .

According to the integrated piping plate of the twenty-seventhinvention, the grooves in a plurality of stages are allocated to a hightemperature zone and a low temperature zone. Consequently, thermalinfluence from each other can be eliminated.

The integrated piping plate of a twenty-eighth invention is anintegrated piping plate for use in a fuel cell power generation system,the integrated piping plate being composed of two or more plates joinedtogether, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting the fuel cell powergeneration system are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or thecomponent is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integratedpiping plate,

grooves for serving as channels for fluids are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plates, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by the grooves, and wherein

the integrated piping plate is provided singly, or a plurality of theintegrated piping plates are provided.

According to the integrated piping plate for use in a fuel cell powergeneration system recited in the twenty-eighth invention, downsizing ofthe fuel cell power generation system can be achieved.

Embodiments of the first to twenty-eighth inventions will be described,mainly, in Embodiment 1 to be indicated later.

The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a twenty-ninthinvention is a machining method for an integrated piping plate composedof a plurality of plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by fluid channel groovesformed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formedin the plates, and comprising:

welding the joining surfaces of the plates around entire periphery ofthe fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.

The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a thirtiethinvention is the machining method for an integrated piping plate of thetwenty-ninth invention, further comprising the steps of:

forming grooves for weld grooves in the plates so as to extend alongentire periphery of the fluid channel grooves; and

successively welding the grooves for the weld grooves to weld thejoining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the fluidchannel grooves, thereby joining the plates.

The machining apparatus for an integrated piping plate of a thirty-firstinvention is a machining apparatus for an integrated piping platecomposed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by fluid channel groovesformed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formedin the plates, and comprising:

weld groove machining means for forming grooves for weld grooves in theplates so as to extend along entire periphery of the fluid channelgrooves; and

welding means which, in succession to machining of the grooves for theweld grooves by the weld groove machining means, welds the grooves forthe weld grooves to weld the joining surfaces of the plates around theentire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining theplates.

According to the machining methods and machining apparatus of thetwenty-ninth, thirtieth and thirty-first inventions, the joiningsurfaces of the plates are welded around the entire periphery of thefluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates. Thus, this type ofwelding, compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive, increasesthe durability of the plate joining portion, and constructs a firm weldstructure, thus increasing pressure resistance. Also, the coupling boltsfor the plates become unnecessary, so that the entire integrated pipingplate can be further downsized. Furthermore, the machining methodsfacilitate the line operation of joining procedure, and thus canincrease the work efficiency, contributing to a low cost.

The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of athirty-second invention is machining equipment for an integrated pipingplate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by fluid channel groovesformed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formedin the plates, and comprising:

plate supply means for supplying the plates having the fluid channelgrooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid channel grooves andthe communication holes, formed therein beforehand;

weld groove machining means for forming grooves for weld grooves in theplates, which have been supplied by the plate supply means, so as toextend along entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves; and

welding means which, in succession to machining of the grooves for theweld grooves by the weld groove machining means, welds the grooves forthe weld grooves to weld the joining surfaces of the plates around theentire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining theplates.

The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a thirty-thirdinvention is machining equipment for an integrated piping plate composedof a plurality of plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by fluid channel groovesformed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formedin the plates, and comprising:

plate supply means for supplying the plates;

machining means for forming the fluid channel grooves, or thecommunication holes, or the fluid channel grooves and the communicationholes, in the plates supplied by the plate supply means;

weld groove machining means for forming grooves for weld grooves in theplates, which have been machined by the machining means, so as to extendalong entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves; and

welding means which, in succession to machining of the grooves for theweld grooves by the weld groove machining means, welds the grooves forthe weld grooves to weld the joining surfaces of the plates around theentire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining theplates.

According to the machining equipments of the thirty-second andthirty-third inventions, the plate supply means, weld groove machiningmeans, and welding means are provided, or the plate supply means,machining means for fluid channel grooves and communication holes, weldgroove machining means, and welding means are provided. Thus, coherentmachining of the plates constituting the integrated piping plate can beeasily performed, thus increasing the work efficiency and contributingto further cost reduction.

The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a thirty-fourthinvention is the machining method for an integrated piping plate of thetwenty-ninth invention, further comprising:

welding the joining surfaces of the plates, by friction stir welding,around entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joiningthe plates.

The machining apparatus for an integrated piping plate of a thirty-fifthinvention is a machining apparatus for an integrated piping platecomposed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by fluid channel groovesformed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formedin the plates, and comprising:

friction stir welding means for welding the joining surfaces of theplates around entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, therebyjoining the plates.

According to the machining method and machining apparatus of thethirty-fourth and thirty-fifth inventions, the joining surfaces of theplates are welded around the entire periphery of the fluid channelgrooves, thereby joining the plates. Thus, this type of welding,compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive, increases thedurability of the plate joining portion, and constructs a firm weldstructure, thus increasing pressure resistance. Also, the coupling boltsfor the plates become unnecessary, so that the entire integrated pipingplate can be further downsized. Furthermore, the machining methodfacilitates the line operation of joining procedure, and thus canincrease the work efficiency, contributing to a low cost. Furthermore,the adoption of friction stir welding obviates the need for machining ofthe grooves for weld grooves, thus achieving further cost reduction.

The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a thirty-sixthinvention is machining equipment for an integrated piping plate composedof a plurality of plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by fluid channel groovesformed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formedin the plates, and comprising:

plate supply means for supplying the plates having the fluid channelgrooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid channel grooves andthe communication holes, formed therein beforehand; and

friction stir welding means for welding the joining surfaces of theplates, which have been supplied by the plate supply means, aroundentire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining theplates.

The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of athirty-seventh invention is machining equipment for an integrated pipingplate composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which

an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus are disposed, orthe instrument is disposed, or the component is disposed, on one of orboth of surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and

the instrument and the component are connected, or the instrument isconnected, or the component is connected, by fluid channel groovesformed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formedin the plates, and comprising:

plate supply means for supplying the plates;

machining means for forming the fluid channel grooves, or thecommunication holes, or the fluid channel grooves and the communicationholes, in the plates supplied by the plate supply means; and

friction stir welding means for welding the joining surfaces of theplates, which have been machined by the machining means, around entireperiphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining the plates.

According to the machining equipments of the thirty-sixth andthirty-seventh inventions, coherent machining of the plates constitutingthe integrated piping plate can be easily performed, thus increasing thework efficiency and contributing to further cost reduction. Furthermore,the adoption of friction stir welding obviates the need for machining ofthe grooves for weld grooves, thus achieving further cost reduction.

The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a thirty-eighthinvention is the machining method for the integrated piping plate of thetwenty-ninth, thirtieth or thirty-fourth invention, further comprising:

performing numerical control as tracer means for machining.

The machining apparatus for an integrated piping plate of a thirty-ninthinvention is the machining apparatus for the integrated piping plate ofthe thirty-first or thirty-fifth invention, further comprising:

control means for performing numerical control as tracer means formachining.

The machining equipment for an integrated piping plate of a fortiethinvention is the machining equipment for the integrated piping plate ofthe thirty-second, thirty-third, thirty-sixth or thirty-seventhinvention, further comprising:

control means for performing numerical control as tracer means formachining.

According to the machining method, machining apparatus and machiningequipment of the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth inventions,coherent machining of the plates constituting the integrated pipingplate can be easily performed by tracer control relying on numericalcontrol.

Embodiments of the twenty-ninth to fortieth inventions will bedescribed, mainly, in Embodiment 2 to be indicated later.

The integrated piping plate of a forth-first invention is an integratedpiping plate comprising:

a first plate having grooves, which serves as channels for fluids,formed therein by press working; and

a second plate having an instrument and a component, or the instrument,or the component mounted thereon, and having communication holes formedtherein, the communication holes communicating with the instrument andthe component, or the instrument, or the component, and wherein

the first plate and the second plate are joined such that the instrumentand the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or thecomponent is connected, by the grooves and the communication holes.

The integrated piping plate of a forty-second invention is an integratedpiping plate comprising:

a first plate having grooves, which serves as channels for fluids,formed therein by precision casting; and

a second plate having an instrument and a component, or the instrument,or the component mounted thereon, and having communication holes formedtherein, the communication holes communicating with the instrument andthe component, or the instrument, or the component, and wherein

the first plate and the second plate are joined such that the instrumentand the component are connected, or the instrument is connected, or thecomponent is connected, by the grooves and the communication holes.

According to the integrated piping plate of the forty-first orforty-second invention, the integrated piping plate can be constitutedfrom plates with thin walls formed by press working or precisioncasting, so that marked weight reduction of the integrated piping platebecomes possible.

In detail, the plates having fluid channel grooves are shaped by pressworking or precision casting, whereby the wall thicknesses of the platescan be decreased compared with the conventional integrated piping plate,and marked weight reduction is realized. Thus, downsizing of theintegrated piping plate, including weight reduction, can be achieved.Moreover, press working or precision casting is suitable for massproduction, and the machining steps can be simplified in comparison withthe conventional integrated piping plate, thereby contributing to amarked cost decrease. Hence, the work efficiency for machining of theintegrated piping plate increases, actualizing volume production andcost reduction.

The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a forty-thirdinvention comprises the steps of:

forming grooves, which serve as channels for fluids, in a first plate bypress working;

mounting an instrument and a component, or the instrument, or thecomponent on a second plate, and forming communication holes in thesecond plate, the communication holes communicating with the instrumentand the component, or the instrument, or the component; and

joining the first plate and the second plate, which have been somachined, by welding such that the instrument and the component areconnected, or the instrument is connected, or the component isconnected, by the grooves and the communication holes.

The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a forty-fourthinvention comprises the steps of:

forming grooves, which serve as channels for fluids, in a first plate byprecision casting;

mounting an instrument and a component, or the instrument, or thecomponent on a second plate, and forming communication holes in thesecond plate, the communication holes communicating with the instrumentand the component, or the instrument, or the component; and

joining the first plate and the second plate, which have been somachined, by welding such that the instrument and the component areconnected, or the instrument is connected, or the component isconnected, by the grooves and the communication holes.

According to the machining method of the forty-third or forty-fourthinvention, the use of press working or precision casting as a method formachining grooves of the plates themselves can result in the stepscapable of markedly reducing the weight of the plates. Consequently,downsizing including weight reduction of the integrated piping platebecomes possible.

Furthermore, the method of joining the plates uses welding, rather thanthe use of an adhesive. Thus, coupling bolts for the plates of theintegrated piping plate are unnecessary, and the entire integratedpiping plate can be downsized. Moreover, excess steps, such as heatingand pressurization during bonding, as with the use of an adhesive, arenot necessary. Thus, the machining step can be simplified in comparisonwith the machining method for the conventional integrated piping plate,thereby contributing to a marked cost decrease. Press working, precisioncasting and welding are suitable for mass production, thus increasingthe work efficiency of machining of the integrated piping plate,achieving volume production and cost reduction. Furthermore, bonding bywelding is adopted. Hence, there is no concern for leakage due todeterioration of the adhesive, and durability increases, impartingresistance to high temperatures and high pressures.

The machining method for an integrated piping plate of a forty-fifthinvention is the machining method of the forty-third or forty-fourthinvention, further comprising:

joining the first plate and the second plate by friction stir welding.

According to the machining method of the forty-fifth invention, the useof press working or precision casting as a method for machining groovesof the plates themselves can result in the steps capable of markedlyreducing the weight of the plates. Consequently, downsizing includingweight reduction of the integrated piping plate becomes possible.

Furthermore, the method of joining the plates uses friction stirwelding, rather than the use of an adhesive. Thus, coupling bolts forthe plates of the integrated piping plate are unnecessary, and thegrooves for weld grooves are also unnecessary, so that the entireintegrated piping plate can be downsized. Moreover, excess steps, suchas heating and pressurization during bonding, as with the use of anadhesive, are not necessary. Nor is weld groove machining means, such asother welding method, needed. Thus, the machining step can be simplifiedin comparison with the machining method for the conventional integratedpiping plate, thereby contributing to a marked cost decrease. Pressworking, precision casting and friction stir welding are suitable formass production, thus increasing the work efficiency of machining of theintegrated piping plate, achieving volume production and cost reduction.Furthermore, bonding by welding is adopted. Hence, there is no concernfor leakage due to deterioration of the adhesive, and durabilityincreases, imparting resistance to high temperatures and high pressures.

The integrated piping plate of a forty-sixth invention is the integratedpiping plate of the forty-first or forty-second invention, wherein

a plurality of the first plates having the grooves, which serve as thechannels for the fluids, machined therein are fixed so as to be opposedto each other, and peripheries of the plates in contact with each otherare sealed to constitute a three-dimensional configuration.

According to the integrated piping plate of the forty-sixth invention,the plates are joined into a three-dimensional configuration such thattheir face side and back side become integral. Instruments andcomponents are arranged on the face side and back side of the integratedpiping plate. Thus, a system comprising complicated lines can beconstituted compactly, downsizing including weight reduction of theintegrated piping plate can be realized, and a satisfactory response canbe obtained.

The integrated piping plate of a forty-seventh invention is theintegrated piping plate of the forty-sixth invention, wherein

the plurality of the first plates having the grooves, which serve as thechannels for the fluids, machined therein are brought into contact witheach other so as to be opposed to each other, whereby a space portion iscreated, and

the space portion is used as a channel for flow of a refrigerant.

According to the integrated piping plate of the forty-seventh invention,the portions exposed to high temperatures can be appropriately cooled, asystem comprising complicated lines can be constituted compactly, anddownsizing including weight reduction of the integrated piping plate canbe realized.

Particularly in this invention, the plates subjected to press working orprecision casting are used. Thus, the plates themselves have no excessvolume acting as a heat storage portion, and a wide surface area for therefrigerant can be secured. Hence, a high temperature fluid can becooled with high efficiency. Because of such advantages, an excess spacefor cooling is unnecessary, and a system comprising complicated linescan be constituted compactly.

Embodiments of the forty-first to forty-seventh inventions will bedescribed, mainly, in Embodiment 3 to be indicated later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a configurational drawing of an integrated piping plateaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a sectional structural drawing of the integrated piping plateaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken on line E—E of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping platehaving instruments arranged on both of its face side and back side;

FIG. 4A is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping platesubjected to surface treatment;

FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken on line F—F of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping plate witha weld structure;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line A—A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional module;

FIG. 8 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional modulecomposed of four of the integrated piping plates;

FIG. 9 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional modulecomposed of five of the integrated piping plates;

FIG. 10 is a configurational drawing of a heat insulatingthree-dimensional module having a heat insulating layer;

FIG. 11 is a configurational drawing of a heat insulatingthree-dimensional module having the integrated piping plate on a hightemperature side and the integrated piping plate on a low temperatureside separated from each other;

FIG. 12 is a configurational drawing of a heat insulatingthree-dimensional module composed of three of the integrated pipingplates;

FIG. 13 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional modulehaving instruments interposed between the integrated piping plates;

FIG. 14 is a configurational drawing of an integrated piping platehaving a high temperature portion and a low temperature portionseparated on the same rest;

FIG. 15 is a configurational drawing of four of the integrated pipingplates disposed on the same rest;

FIG. 16 is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping platehaving heat shutoff grooves;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken on line B—B of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping plateincorporating control instruments;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken on line C—C of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken on line D—D of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of the integrated piping platehaving many grooves;

FIG. 22 is a configurational drawing of the integrated piping plateprovided with corrosion resistant piping;

FIG. 23A is an enlarged plan view of a G portion in FIG. 22;

FIG. 23B is a sectional view taken on line H—H of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24A is an enlarged plan view of an I portion in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24B is a sectional view taken on line J—J of FIG. 24A;

FIG. 25 is a sectional structural drawing of the above integrated pipingplate;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line K—K of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is an explanation drawing of the use of corrosion resistantpiping made of a high rigidity material;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing another example of joining at an endportion of the corrosion resistant piping;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing still another example of joining atan end portion of the corrosion resistant piping;

FIG. 30 is a configurational drawing of a three-dimensional integratedpiping plate;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken on line M—M of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view taken on line N—N of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a configurational drawing of another three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate;

FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken on line O—O of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken on line P—P of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is an explanation drawing in which the instruments andcomponents shown in FIG. 30 are connected by grooves formed in oneplane;

FIG. 37 is an explanation drawing in which the instruments andcomponents shown in FIG. 33 are connected by grooves formed in oneplane;

FIG. 38 is a configurational drawing showing a high temperature zone anda low temperature zone divided using the three-dimensional integratedpiping plate;

FIG. 39 is another configurational drawing showing a high temperaturezone and a low temperature zone divided using the three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate;

FIG. 40A is a sectional view (a sectional view taken on line C1—C1 ofFIG. 40B) showing a machining method for the integrated piping plateaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40B is a view (plan view) taken in a direction of D1 in FIG. 40A;

FIG. 40C is a sectional view taken on line E1—E1 of FIG. 40B;

FIG. 41A is an explanation drawing of welding performed in grooves forweld grooves such that the weld surrounds the entire perimeter of eachgroove;

FIG. 41B is an explanation drawing in which a weld line is sharedbetween the adjacent grooves for weld grooves;

FIG. 41C is a sectional view taken on line N1—N1 of FIG. 41B;

FIG. 42A is a sectional view (a sectional view taken on line F1—F1 ofFIG. 42B) showing another machining method for the integrated pipingplate according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42B is a view (plan view) taken in a direction of G1 in FIG. 42A;

FIG. 42C is a sectional view taken on line H1—H1 of FIG. 42B;

FIG. 43A is a constitution drawing (plan view) of a machining line forthe integrated piping plate which actualizes the machining method shownin FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C;

FIG. 43B is a view (side view) taken in a direction of J1 in FIG. 43A;

FIG. 44A is a constitution drawing (plan view) of a machining line forthe integrated piping plate which actualizes the machining method shownin FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C;

FIG. 44B is a view (side view) taken in a direction of M1 in FIG. 44A;

FIG. 45A is a plan view of a plate representing an embodiment of theintegrated piping plate according to the present invention;

FIG. 45B is a sectional view taken on line A1—A1 of FIG. 45A;

FIG. 45C is a sectional view taken on line A1—A1 of FIG. 45A;

FIG. 46A is a plan view of the integrated piping plate showing a Joiningmethod for an embodiment of the integrated piping plate according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 46B is a sectional view taken on line B1—B1 of FIG. 46A;

FIG. 46C is a sectional view taken on line C2—C2 of FIG. 46A;

FIG. 47A is a side view of the integrated piping plate representing anembodiment of the integrated piping plate according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 47B is a sectional view taken on line D2—D2 of FIG. 47A;

FIG. 47C is a sectional view taken on line D2—D2 of FIG. 47A;

FIG. 47D is a view taken on line E2—E2 of FIG. 47A;

FIG. 48A is a side view of the integrated piping plate representing anembodiment in which the integrated piping plate according to the presentinvention is constituted three-dimensionally;

FIG. 48B is an enlarged view of an F2 portion in FIG. 48A;

FIG. 49 is a system diagram of a general fuel cell power generationsystem; and

FIGS. 50(A) and 50(B) are configurational drawings of a conventionalintegrated piping plate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

[Embodiment 1]

Details of the configuration of an integrated piping plate according toan embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG.1, with a fuel cell power generation system taken as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, an integrated piping plate 1 comprises a plate 2 anda plate 3 Joined by a suitable adhesive 4. The integrated piping plate 1is constituted by fixing constituent instruments and components of afuel cell power generation system (indicated by one-dot chain lines inFIG. 1), which are disposed on a surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) 3 aof the plate 3 and include a constituent instrument 5, by stud bolts 6and nuts 7 integrally with the plates 2, 3.

In a joining surface (an upper surface in FIG. 1) of the plate 2 to bejoined to the plate 3, grooves 8 are formed, the grooves 8 havingpredetermined sectional area suitable for the velocities ofcorresponding fluids and having suitable lengths and directions adaptedfor the positions of piping ports of the constituent instruments andcomponents, such as the instrument 5 arranged on the surface 3 a of theplate 3. The grooves 8 have the function of piping through which liquidsor gases necessary for the fuel cell power generation system flow. Thus,the sectional areas of the grooves 8 are determined by the properties,flow velocities and pressure losses of flowing fluids, while the lengthsand directions of the grooves 8 are determined by the arrangement of therespective constituent instruments and components, including theinstrument 5, arranged on the plate 3.

In FIG. 1, the grooves 8 are provided in the plate 2, but the grooves 8may be provided in the plate 3. That is, the grooves 8 may be providedin a joining surface (lower surface in FIG. 1) 3 b of the plate 3 joinedto the plate 2. The constituent instruments and components of the fuelcell power generation system may be disposed on a surface (lower surfacein FIG. 1) 2 b of the plate 2, as well as on the surface 3 a of theplate 3, although a concrete example will be described later on. Thatis, the constituent instruments and components may be disposed on oneof, or both of the surface 2 b of the plate 2 and the surface 3 a of theplate 3.

The materials for the plates 2, 3 are not restricted, but an aluminumplate and an aluminum alloy plate are the most effective materials forthe purpose of decreasing the weight for transportation, and for ease ofmachining of the grooves 8. Castings are also effective because of highresistance to heat and for ease of formation of the grooves 8. Moreover,further weight reduction can be achieved by using synthetic resin or thelike as the material for the plates 2, 3.

According to the present embodiment, the constituent instruments andcomponents, such as the instrument 5, are mounted on the plate 3, andthe stud bolts 6 are provided for clamping the plates 2 and 3 to preventleakage of the fluid flowing through the grooves 8. However, this methodof fixing is not limitative, and the fixing of the constituentinstruments and components onto the plate 3, and the fixing of theplates 2 and 3 can be performed by through bolts, which pierce throughthe plates 2, 3, or other fixing means.

The plate 3 is a flat plate with a thickness of a suitable magnitude,and bolt holes 9 for insertion of the stud bolts 6 at predeterminedpositions are bored in the plate thickness direction. Through-holes 37for insertion of the stud bolts 6 are formed in the respectiveconstituent instruments and components, including the instrument 5. Inthe plate 3, communication holes 10 are also disposed for establishingcommunication between the respective constituent instruments andcomponents, including the instrument 5, to be mounted on the surface 3 aand the grooves 8 of the plate 2 to permit the flow of the fluid.

To assemble such an integrated piping plate 1, the first step is to bondthe plate 2 and the plate 3 via the adhesive 4. Usually, a commerciallyavailable thermosetting adhesive is used as the adhesive 4, but themethod of joining the plates 2 and 3 by joining means, such as fusing,brazing or welding, is also effective depending on the type of fuel usedfor the fuel cell, or the material for the plates 2, 3.

Then, the stud bolts 6 are inserted through the bolt holes 9 of theplate 3, and implanted into the plate 2. The stud bolts 6 are insertedthrough the through-holes 37 of the instrument 5, and then the nuts 7are screwed to the end portions of the stud bolts 6, whereby theinstrument 5 is fastened to the integrated piping plate 1. The otherconstituent instruments and components are also sequentially subjectedto the same procedure to complete assembly.

FIGS. 2A and 2B generally explain the configuration of the integratedpiping plate based on its sectional structure. An integrated pipingplate 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is assembled, for example, byintegrally fixing an A instrument 11, a B instrument 12, a plate 2 and aplate 3 by stud bolts 6 and nuts 7 fastened to them.

Between the A instrument 11 and the B instrument 12, a fluid can flow bya groove 8 formed in the plate 2 and communication holes 10 machined inthe plate 3. That is, the A instrument 11 and the B instrument 12 areconnected together by the groove 8. The plate 2 and the plat 3 areadhered by the adhesive 4, so that the fluid flowing through the groove8 is sealed up. An O ring 13 or the like is used to seal spacing betweenthe instruments 11, 12 and the plate 3.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which instruments are arranged on bothsurfaces of an integrated piping plate. In an integrated piping plate 1shown in FIG. 3, instruments 105, 106 are disposed on a surface 3 a of aplate 3, and instruments 107, 108 are disposed on a surface 2 b of aplate 2. Grooves 8A, 8B, 8C, which serve as channels for fluids, areformed in a joining surface 2 a of the plate 2. Communication holes 10for communication between these grooves 8A, 8B, 8C and the instruments105, 106, 107, 108 are formed in the plate 2 and the plate 3. That is,the instrument 105 on the plate 3 and the instrument 107 on the plate 2are connected by the groove 8A, the instruments 107, 108 on the plate 2are connected by the groove 8B, and the instrument 106 on the plate 3and the instrument 108 on the plate 2 are connected by the groove 8C.

It is also possible to dispose instruments and components only on thesurface 2 b of the plate 2, without providing instruments and componentson the surface 3 a of the plate 3, although they are not shown.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example of an integrated piping plate having acorrosion-proof layer formed by surface treatment. In an integratedpiping plate 1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, joining surfaces (adhesionsurfaces) 2 a and 3 b of a plate 2 and a plate 3, and the surfaces of agroove 8 to serve as a channel for a fluid, and communication holes 10are coated with or lined with fluorocarbon resin, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene, or covered with an aluminum oxide film to formcorrosion-proof layers 29. By so forming the corrosion-proof layers 29,corrosion by the fluid flowing through the groove 8 and thecommunication holes 10, or by ingredients contained in the adhesive 4can be prevented, and a long life of the integrated piping plate 1 canbe ensured.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example of welding a plate 2 and a plate 3. Asindicated by solid lines in FIG. 5, welding is performed on weld lines30, which surround the peripheries of grooves 8 formed in the plate 2while keeping suitable distances from the grooves 8, by electromagneticforce-controlled hybrid welding or the like, with the plates 2 and 3being sequentially gripped at a strong pressure. As a result, the plate2 and the plate 3 are welded at the positions of the weld lines 30, asshown in FIG. 6. At the sites of the weld lines 30, the fluids flowingthrough the grooves 8 can be sealed up reliably.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a three-dimensional module as an applicationof the above integrated piping plate. A three-dimensional module 15shown in FIG. 7 is formed in a three-dimensional configuration byintegrally fixing two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B in thefollowing manner: Through bolts 14 are inserted through through-holes101 piercing through the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B (all ofplates 2 and 3), and nuts 102 are screwed to opposite end portions ofthe through bolts 14, with the back surfaces of the two integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B being superposed, namely, with a surface 2 b ofthe plate 2 in the integrated piping plate 1A and a surface 2 b of theplate 2 in the integrated piping plate 1B being superposed.

In FIG. 7, auxiliary components or auxiliary instruments 26 a, 26 b aredisposed on the lower integrated piping plate 1B so as to be locatedbehind instruments 11, 12 provided on the upper integrated piping plate1A, whereby the three-dimensional structure is constructed. This makesmarked downsizing possible.

In the integrated piping plate 1, if the instruments or components arearranged on the surface 2 b of the plate 2, rather than on the surface 3a of the plate 3, it goes without saying that the surface 3 a of theplate 3 becomes the back surface of the integrated piping plate 1, andthis surface becomes a joining surface to be joined to the otherintegrated piping plate 1.

In FIG. 7, the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are integrated,but this manner is not restrictive. An arbitrary plurality of integratedpiping plates, such as three or four integrated piping plates, may beintegrated (made three-dimensional), with their back surfaces beingsuperposed.

In a three-dimensional module 15A shown in FIG. 8, for example, arelatively large integrated piping plate 1A having instruments 109, 110,111, 112 disposed thereon is placed on an upper side in the drawing,while relatively small integrated piping plates 1B, 1C, 1D havinginstruments 113, 114, instruments 115, 116 and instruments 117, 118disposed thereon are arranged on a lower side in the drawing. These fourintegrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D are integrally fixed, withback surfaces 2 b's of the four integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C and1D being superposed, whereby the three-dimensional configuration isconstituted.

In the case of a three-dimensional module 15B shown in FIG. 9, large andsmall integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and 1C having instruments 119,120, instruments 121, 122, and instruments 123, 124 disposed thereon areplaced on an upper side in the drawing, while large and small integratedpiping plates 1D and 1E having instruments 125, 126, and instruments127, 128, 129 disposed thereon are arranged on a lower side in thedrawing. These five integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E areintegrally fixed, with back surfaces 2 b's of the five integrated pipingplates 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E being superposed, whereby thethree-dimensional configuration is constituted.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a heat insulating three-dimensional moduleas an application of the above integrated piping plate. An heatinsulating three-dimensional module 18A shown in FIG. 10 is formed in athree-dimensional configuration by integrally fixing two integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B in the following manner: Through bolts 17 areinserted through through-holes 103 piercing through the two integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B (all of plates 2 and 3), and nuts 104 arescrewed to opposite end portions of the through bolts 17 via heatinsulators 16 b's, with the back surfaces 2 b's of the two integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B (the surfaces of the plates 2 in the integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B) being superposed, and with a suitable heatinsulator 16 a or the like being interposed between these back surfaces2 b's.

In this heat insulating three-dimensional module 18A, the two integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B are bound together via the heat insulators 16 a,16 b. Since there are such heat insulating layers, heats of hightemperature instruments 27 a, 27 b disposed on the integrated pipingplate 1A on the upper side in the drawing can be prevented from beingtransferred to the integrated piping plate 1B on the lower side in thedrawing. Thus, other low temperature instruments 28 a, 28 b can bedisposed on the integrated piping plate 1B in proximity to the hightemperature instruments 27 a, 27 b disposed on the integrated pipingplate 1A.

In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are notrestrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of integrated piping plates canbe integrated. For example, a heat insulator may be interposed betweenthe back surfaces 2 b's of the integrated piping plate 1A and theintegrated piping plates 1B, 1C, 1D shown in FIG. 8, or a heat insulatormay be interposed between the back surfaces 2 b's of the integratedpiping plates 1A, 1B, 1C and the integrated piping plates 1D, 1E shownin FIG. 9, although these modes are not shown.

FIG. 11 shows an example of another heat insulating three-dimensionalmodule as an application of the above integrated piping plate 1. An heatinsulating three-dimensional module 18B shown in FIG. 11 is formed in athree-dimensional configuration by integrally connecting and fixing twointegrated piping plates 1A and 1B by means of separators 31 of asuitable length, with the back surfaces 2 b's of the two integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B (the surfaces of the plates 2 in the integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B) being superposed, and with the separators 31being interposed between these back surfaces 2 b's. Also, heatinsulators 130 are interposed between the separator 31 and theintegrated piping plates 1A, 1B.

In this heat insulating three-dimensional module 18B, a suitable spacingis maintained between the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B by theseparators 31, whereby a high temperature portion (high temperatureinstruments 27 a, 27 b) and a low temperature portion (low temperatureinstruments 28 a, 28 b) are thermally shut off from each other, and theapparatus can be downsized in a three-dimensional configuration.Moreover, a heat insulating effect can be further enhanced byinterposing the heat insulators 130 between the integrated piping plates1A, 1B and the separators 31.

That is, if a sufficient heat insulating effect is obtained by mereinterposition of the separators 31, it is not absolutely necessary toprovide the heat insulators 130. However, if it is necessary to cut offheat transmitted through the separators 31, the heat insulators 130 areinterposed between the separators 31 and the integrated piping plates1A, 1B. Alternatively, the heat insulators 130 may be provided eitherbetween the separators 31 and the integrated piping plate 1A or betweenthe separators 31 and the integrated piping plate 1B.

In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are notrestrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of integrated piping plates canbe integrated. For example, in the case of a heat insulatingthree-dimensional module 18B shown in FIG. 12, a relatively largeintegrated piping plate 1A having high temperature instruments 131 a,131 b, 132 a, 132 b disposed thereon is placed on an upper side in thedrawing, while relatively small integrated piping plates 1B and 1Chaving low temperature instruments 133 a, 133 b and low temperatureinstruments 134 a, 134 b disposed thereon are placed on a lower side inthe drawing. The three integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and 1C are formedinto a three-dimensional configuration by integrally connecting andfixing these integrated piping plates by separators 31, with the backsurfaces 2 b's of the three integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and 1C beingsuperposed, and with the separators 31 being interposed between the backsurfaces 2 b's.

FIG. 13 shows an example in which instruments, instead of theseparators, are interposed between integrated piping plates. In athree-dimensional module 18C shown in FIG. 13, instruments 139, 140 areinterposed, instead of the separators 31 in the three-dimensional module18B shown in FIG. 11, between the back surfaces 2 b's of the integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B. These instruments 139 and 140 may also beconnected together by a groove provided in the integrated piping plate1A or integrated piping plate 1B, although this mode is not shown.

In this case as well, the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B areseparated from each other by the instruments 139 and 140, as in the caseof interposition of the separators 31. Thus, a heat insulating effectcan be expected. A marked heat insulating effect is obtained,particularly by interposing heat insulators 130 between the instruments139, 140 and the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, as shown in thedrawing. In this case, moreover, the spacing between the integratedpiping plates 1A and 1B is effectively utilized by arranging theinstruments 139, 140 between the integrated piping plates 1A and 1B.Thus, the apparatus can be further downsized.

In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are notrestrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of integrated piping plates canbe integrated. For example, in the heat insulating three-dimensionalmodule 18B shown in FIG. 12, constituent instruments or components maybe interposed in place of the separators 31.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a plurality of integrated piping platesdisposed on the same rest, as an application of the integrated pipingplate. In FIG. 14, an integrated piping plate 1A having high temperatureinstruments 27 a, 27 b disposed thereon, and an integrated piping plate1B having low temperature instruments 28 a, 28 b disposed thereon aredisposed on the same rest 32 with a suitable heat insulating spacing L.Fixing of the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B to the rest 32 isperformed by suitable fixing means, such as bolts or welding (notshown). A heat insulator 145 is interposed between the integrated pipingplates 1A, 1B and the rest 32.

By so disposing the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B with the heatinsulating spacing L maintained, these integrated piping plates 1 canignore (prevent) thermal influence from each other. By interposing theheat insulator 145 between the integrated piping plates 1A, 1B and therest 32, a heat insulating effect can be further enhanced.

In this case as well, the two integrated piping plates 1A and 1B are notrestrictive, but an arbitrary plurality of integrated piping plates canbe disposed on the same rest. For instance, in an example shown in FIG.15, four integrated piping plates 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, namely, theintegrated piping plate 1A having high temperature instruments 141 a,141 b disposed thereon, the integrated piping plate 1B having lowtemperature instruments 142 a, 142 b disposed thereon, the integratedpiping plate 1C having high temperature instruments 143 a, 143 bdisposed thereon, and the integrated piping plate 1D having lowtemperature instruments 144 a, 144 b disposed thereon are arranged onthe same rest 32 at heat insulating intervals of L.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example in which high temperature instrumentsand low temperature instruments are disposed on the same integratedpiping plate. With an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIGS. 16 and17, a heat shutoff groove 35 is provided between a high temperature zonewhere high temperature instruments or components, such as hightemperature instruments 33 a, 33 b, 33 c, are disposed, and a lowtemperature zone where low temperature instruments or components, suchas low temperature instruments 34 a, 34 b, are disposed, on the sameintegrated piping plate 1. The heat shutoff groove 35 is formed in aplate 2, and communication holes 36 communicating with opposite endportions of the heat shutoff groove 35 are formed in a plate 3.

According to this integrated piping plate 1, the heat shutoff groove 35forms a heat barrier by air, presenting a high resistance to heatconduction from the high temperature zone to the low temperature zone.Thus, even when the low temperature instruments 34 a, 34 b are disposedin proximity to the high temperature instruments 33 a, 33 b, 33 c on thesame integrated piping plate 1, no thermal influence is exerted.

Filling of a suitable heat insulator into the heat shutoff groove 35 isalso effective means for preventing thermal influence.

To heighten the effect of the heat shutoff groove 35, there may be aconfiguration in which a refrigerant, such as cooling air or coolingwater, is flowed into the heat shutoff groove 35 by refrigerant refluxmeans (not shown) from one of the communication holes 36 toward theother communication hole 36 among the communication holes 36 provided inthe opposite end portions of the heat shutoff groove 35 to cool the heatshutoff groove 35.

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 show an example in which components, such aselectromagnetic valves 19, a control instrument 20, such as a printedchip, and electrical wiring 21 are built into an integrated piping plateto achieve a saving in space.

As shown in these drawings, a C instrument 22 and a D instrument 23disposed on the integrated piping plate 1 are connected by a groove 8provided in a plate 2. A fluid flowing through the groove 8 is detectedby a pressure sensor 25 a buried in a plate 3, detection signals fromthe pressure sensor 25 a are transferred to the control instrument 20embedded in the plate 3, and control signals from the control instrument20 are transmitted to the electromagnetic valves 19 buried in the plate3 via the electrical wiring 21 buried in the plate 3, thereby actuatingthe electromagnetic valves 19. Similarly, a flow sensor 25 b fordetecting the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the groove 8, and atemperature sensor 25 c for detecting the temperature of the fluid arealso buried in the plate 3, and detection signals from these sensors 25b and 25 c are also taken into the control instrument 20.

In this manner, the electromagnetic valves 19, control instrument 20 andelectrical wiring 21 are built into the integrated piping plate 1,whereby a further saving in space can be achieved. Electricalcomponents, such as switches, may also be incorporated into theintegrated piping plate 1. As the control device 20, a printed chip(printed circuit board), which can be buried in the plate 3, may beused. Some components can be incorporated into the plate 2. In thiscase, the plate 3 should have an opening for the purpose of assembly,inspection, etc. of the components. That is, the instruments,components, control instrument, or electrical wiring constituting theapparatus may be built into one of or both of the plates 2 and 3.

In the fuel cell power generation system or the like, as stated earlier,fluids flowing the grooves 8 as channels come in wide varieties oftypes, such as a high temperature fluid, a low temperature fluid, and afluid containing a corrosive substance. Of them, the fluid containing acorrosive substance (hereinafter referred to as “a corrosive fluid”)requires extra care for the channels. Thus, as explained based on FIGS.4A and 4B, the surfaces of the grooves 8 are coated with or lined withfluorocarbon resin, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or covered with analuminum oxide film to form a corrosion-proof layer 29, thereby makingthe grooves 8 corrosion resistant to the corrosive fluid.

However, this technique for providing the corrosion-proof layer may bedifficult to apply, if the arrangement of the grooves 8 (channels) iscomplicated. That is, in a unit of the fuel cell power generation systemcomposed of many instruments and components as shown in FIG. 49, thesenumerous instruments and components are connected by the grooves 8, orsmall instruments, such as valves, electrical components, such assensors or switches, and electrical wiring are assembled into the plate.Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, the number of the grooves 8 is very large,and some grooves 8 (channels) need to be bypassed in order to preventinterference of the grooves 8 with each other. Hence, many grooves 8(channels) often have to run complicatedly like a maze.

The work of applying fluorocarbon resin coating, fluorocarbon resinlining, or aluminum oxide film covering to such grooves 8 requiresadvanced machining techniques, and huge man-hours for machining.Furthermore, if the grooves 8 (channels) are in a complicated shape, theaccuracy and reliability of the product may be questioned. In suchcases, it is effective to provide corrosion resistant piping, instead offorming the corrosion-proof layer 29, in the grooves 8.

An integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 22 is constituted by joininga plate 2 and a plate 3 by an adhesive 4 or the like. Grooves 8 aremachined in a joining surface between the plate 2 and the plate 3 (anupper surface 2 a of the plate 2 in the illustrated example). Variousconstituent instruments 191 and components 192 (also indicated byone-dot chain lines in FIG. 22) constituting a fuel cell powergeneration system are arranged on an upper surface 3 a of the plate 3.These instruments 191 and components 192 are connected to the grooves 8by communication holes 10 formed in the plate 3. By so doing, theinstruments 191 and components 192 are tied by the grooves 8. Thespacing between the instruments 191, components 192 and the plate 3 issealed with a sealing material such as an O ring (not shown). Thesefeatures are the same as for the integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG.1.

In the integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 22, the sectional areasof the grooves 8 for flowing corrosive fluids are larger than therequired sectional areas for direct flowing of the fluid through thegrooves 8, and corrosion resistant piping 151, such as a fluorocarbonresin pipe of polytetrafluoroethylene or the like, is accommodated inthe grooves 8 to use the corrosion resistant piping 151 as a channel forthe corrosive fluid. The corrosion resistant piping 151 may be not onlya fluorocarbon resin pipe, but piping made of other corrosion resistantmaterial (such as polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, or othersynthetic resin) compatible with the properties of the corrosive fluid.However, the corrosion resistant piping 151 may be inserted intopredetermined grooves 8 after integration of the integrated piping plate1, or the corrosion resistant piping 151 may be replaced. Thus, it ispreferred to select a flexible material as the material for thecorrosion resistant piping 151.

Opposite end portions of the corrosion resistant piping 151 accommodatedin the groove 8 are joined to a bearer 152 as a first joining member,and a top-shaped component 153 as a second joining member. Thetop-shaped component 153 has a truncated cone-shaped body portion(joining portion) 153 b having a conical surface 153 a formed on anouter peripheral surface thereof, and has a head portion 153 c on thebody portion 153 b. The entire shape of the top-shaped component 153 islike a top.

As shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A and 24B, there are a case in which onebearer 152 is used on one corrosion resistant piping 151 (FIGS. 23A,23B), and a case in which one bearer 152 is used on a plurality of (twoin the illustrated example) lines of corrosion resistant piping 151(FIGS. 24A, 24B). These bearers 152 are each fitted into a fitting hole3 f provided in a plate 3, and fixed to a plate 2 by screws 155. Astepped portion 152 a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of thebearer 152, and this stepped portion 152 a contacts a stepped portion 3g formed in the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 3 f. Athrough-hole 152 b is formed at the center of the bearer 152, and aconical surface 152 c is formed in part of the inner peripheral surfaceof the through-hole 152 b. Further, a stepped portion 152 d is formedabove the conical surface 152 c by further widening the inner peripheralsurface of the through-hole 152 b. The bearer 152 is halved at aposition of a parting line.

The opposite end portions of the corrosion resistant piping 151 are eachjoined (fixed) by the bearer 152 and the top-shaped component 153, asshown in FIGS. 25 and 26. That is, the end portion of the corrosionresistant piping 151 is inserted into the through-hole 152 b of thebearer 152, and the body portion 153 b of the top-shaped component 153is inserted, under pressure, into the end portion of the corrosionresistant piping 151. By so doing, the end portion of the corrosionresistant piping 151 is broadened by the conical surface 153 a of thebody portion 153 b, and the conical surface 153 a of the body portion153 b is fitted to the conical surface 152 c of the bearer 152. As aresult, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is joined(fixed), with its outer diameter side being supported by the conicalsurface 152 c of the bearer 152, and its inner diameter side beingsupported by the conical surface 153 a of the top-shaped component 153.On this occasion, the head portion 153 c of the top-shaped component 153is fitted onto the stepped portion 152 d of the bearer 152. Thus, thecorrosive fluid flows through the corrosion resistant piping 151 betweenthe instrument 191 and the component 192. At this time, the corrosivefluid can be prevented from leaking from the end of the corrosionresistant piping 151.

It is normally preferred for the bearer 152 to be integrally shaped. Ifthe corrosion resistant piping 151 of a highly rigid material is used,however, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is in atoppled state as shown in FIG. 27. If a plurality of lines of thecorrosion resistant piping 151 are joined to one bearer 152, the endportions of the lines of the corrosion resistant piping 151 are indisorderly directions. Thus, the integral bearer 152 poses difficulty inan operation for joining the ends of the lines of the corrosionresistant piping 151 (it is conceivable to lengthen the corrosionresistant piping 151, and cut the end of the corrosion resistant piping151 after its insertion into the bearer 152, but this is a difficultoperation, because the position of cutting is inside the bearer 152). Inthis case, the bearer 152 is halved as in the present embodiment, andone half of the bearer 152 is inserted into the fitting hole 3 f,whereafter the other half of the bearer 152 is inserted into the fittinghole 3 f, whereby the efficiency of the joining operation is improved.In this case, the number of divisions of the bearer 152 is notrestricted to two, but may be three or more.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show other examples of joining of the end of thecorrosion resistant piping 151. They are useful for application to casesin which the piping paths (grooves 8) are simple, or in which thecorrosion resistant piping 151 of a low rigidity material is used.

With an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 28, the bearer 152 andplate 3 shown in FIG. 26 are integrally shaped. That is, a through-hole3 c is formed in the plate 3, and a conical surface 3 d is formed inpart of the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 3 c. A steppedportion 3 e is formed above the conical surface 3 d by further wideningthe inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 3 c.

In this case, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 isinserted into the through-hole 3 c of the plate 3, and the body portion153 b of the top-shaped component 153 is inserted, under pressure, intothe end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151. By so doing, theend portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is broadened by theconical surface 153 a of the body portion 153 b, and the conical surface153 a of the body portion 153 b is fitted to the conical surface 3 d ofthe plate 3. At this time, the head portion 153 c of the top-shapedcomponent 153 is fitted to the stepped portion 3 e of the plate 3. As aresult, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is joinedfirmly without leakage of the fluid, with its outer diameter side beingsupported by the conical surface 3 d of the plate 3, and its innerdiameter side being supported by the conical surface 153 a of thetop-shaped component 153.

With an integrated piping plate 1 shown in FIG. 29, the bearer 152 andplate 3 shown in FIG. 26 are integrally shaped, and the top-shapedcomponent 153 and instrument 191 or component 192 are integrally shaped.That is, a through-hole 3 c is formed in the plate 3, and a conicalsurface 3 d is formed in part of the inner peripheral surface of thethrough-hole 3 c. Also, a truncated cone-shaped joining portion 154having a conical surface 154 a formed on an outer peripheral surfacethereof is shaped integrally with the instrument 191 or component 192 onthe lower surface of the instrument 191 or component 192.

In this case, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 isinserted into the through-hole 3 c of the plate 3, and the joiningportion 154 of the instrument 191 or component 192 is inserted, underpressure, into the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151. Byso doing, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 isbroadened by the conical surface 154 a of the joining portion 154, andthe conical surface 154 a of the joining portion 154 is fitted to theconical surface 3 d of the plate 3. Thus, the end portion of thecorrosion resistant piping 151 is joined firmly so as not leak thefluid, with its outer diameter side being supported by the conicalsurface 3 d of the plate 3, and its inner diameter side being supportedby the conical surface 154 a of the joining portion 154.

As stated earlier, in a unit of the fuel cell power generation systemcomposed of many instruments and components as shown in FIG. 49, thesenumerous instruments and components are connected by the grooves 8.Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, the number of the grooves 8 is very large,and some grooves 8 need to be bypassed greatly in order to preventcrossing or interference of the grooves 8 with each other. Furthermore,these grooves 8 (channels) are designed, with their sectional areasbeing calculated, so as to ensure proper flow rates adapted for theiruses. Thus, the grooves 8 with large widths may be needed. In this case,a sufficient space for forming the wide grooves 8 needs to be secured.Besides, some of the fluids flowing through these grooves 8 (channels)are different in temperature, so that proper dimensions for separationneed to be secured to avoid thermal influences on each other.

Hence, the grooves 8 (channels) often have to run complicatedly like amaze. In this case, designing and manufacturing of the integrated pipingplate (machining of grooves) become tiresome. Moreover, the size of theplate, i.e., the size of the integrated piping plate, may be made verylarge in order to bypass the grooves 8 or increase the widths of thegrooves 8. In this view, the configurations of three-dimensionalintegrated piping plates capable of making the layout of the grooves 8(channels) simple and compact even in such cases will be described basedon FIGS. 30 to 35.

In FIG. 30, an intermediate plate 161 is provided between a plate 2 anda plate 3, and these three plates 2, 3 and 161 are joined by an adhesive4 or the like for integration, thereby constituting a three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate 1. A component 162A, an instrument 162B and aninstrument 162C of a fuel cell power generation system are arranged onone surface of the three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (an outersurface of the plate 3), and fixed by fixing means such as stud boltsand nuts (not shown). A component 162D, a component 162E and aninstrument 162F of a fuel cell power generation system are arranged onthe other surface of the three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (anouter surface of the plate 2), and fixed by fixing means such as studbolts and nuts (not shown).

Grooves 8, which serve as channels for fluids, are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plate 3 and the intermediate plate 161 (in theillustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 3) and in joiningsurfaces of the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in theillustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 2), respectively.These grooves 8 and the component 162A, instrument 162B, instrument162C, component 162D, component 162E and instrument 162F are connectedby communication holes 10 formed in the plates 2, 3, 161. That is, thecomponent 162A, instrument 162B, instrument 162C, component 162D,component 162E and instrument 162F are connected three-dimensionally bythe grooves 8 provided at upper and lower stages in plate joiningsurfaces at two locations. The sectional areas of the grooves 8 areproperly calculated for respective fluids, and determined.

FIGS. 30, 31 and 32 illustrate the layout relationship among the grooves8, communication holes 10, component 162A, instrument 162B, instrument162C, component 162D, component 162E and instrument 162F which define apath, like fluid supply port 164→component 162A →instrument 162Finstrument 162B→instrument 162C →component 162E component 162D→fluiddischarge port 165. If described in detail based on FIGS. 31 and 32,this path follows fluid supply port 164→groove 8A→communication hole10A→component 162A→communication hole 10B→groove 8B→communication hole10C→groove 8C→communication hole 10D→instrument 162F→communication hole10E→groove 8D→communication hole 10F→instrument 162B→communication hole10G→groove 8E→communication hole 10H→instrument 16C →communication hole10I→groove 8F→communication hole 10J→groove 8G→communication hole10K→component 162E →communication hole 10L→groove 8H→communication hole10M→component 162D→communication hole 10N→groove 8I→fluid discharge port165.

In FIG. 33, an intermediate plate 161 is provided between a plate 2 anda plate 3, and these three plates 2, 3 and 161 are joined by an adhesive4 or the like for integration, thereby constituting a three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate 1. A component 166A, an instrument 166B, aninstrument 166C, a component 166D, a component 166E, and an instrument166F of a fuel cell power generation system are arranged on only onesurface of the three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (an outersurface of the plate 3 ), and fixed by fixing means such as stud boltsand nuts (not shown).

Grooves 8, which serve as channels for fluids, are formed in joiningsurfaces of the plate 3 and the intermediate plate 161 (in theillustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 3) and in joiningsurfaces of the plate 2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in theillustrated example, the joining surface of the plate 2), respectively.These grooves 8 and the component 166A, instrument 166B, instrument166C, component 166D, component 166E and instrument 166F are connectedby communication holes 10 formed in the plates 2, 3, 161. That is, thecomponent 166A, instrument 166B, instrument 166C, component 166D,component 166E and instrument 166F are connected three-dimensionally bythe grooves 8 provided at two stages in plate joining surfaces at twolocations. The sectional areas of the grooves 8 are properly calculatedfor respective fluids, and determined.

FIGS. 33, 34 and 35 illustrate the layout relationship among the grooves8, communication holes 10, component 166A, instrument 166B, instrument166C, component 166D, component 166E and instrument 166F which define apath, like fluid supply port 167→component 166A →instrument166F→instrument 166B→instrument 166C →component 166E→component 166Dfluid discharge port 168. If described in detail based on FIGS. 34 and35, this path follows fluid supply port 167→groove 8A→communication hole10A→component 166A→communication hole 10B→groove 8B→communication hole10C→instrument 166F→communication hole 10D→groove 8C→communication hole10E→instrument 166B →communication hole 10F→groove 8D→communication hole10G→instrument 166C→communication hole 10H→groove 8E→communication hole10I→component 166E→communication hole 10J→groove 8F→communication hole10K→component 166D→communication hole 10L→groove 8G→fluid discharge port168.

For comparison, FIG. 36 illustrates an example in which the component162A, instrument 162B, instrument 162C, component 162D, component 162Eand instrument 162F shown in FIG. 30 are arranged on an integratedpiping plate 1 comprising two plates joined together. FIG. 37illustrates an example in which the component 166A, instrument 166B,instrument 166C, component 166D, component 166E and instrument 166Fshown in FIG. 33 are arranged on an integrated piping plate 1 comprisingtwo plates joined together.

FIG. 36 shows a path following fluid supply port 169 groove 8Acommunication hole 10A→component 162A →communication hole 10B→groove8B→communication hole 10C→instrument 162F communication hole 10D→groove8C→communication hole 10E→instrument 162B→communication hole 10F→groove8D→communication hole 10G→instrument 162C→communication hole 10H→groove8E→communication hole 10I→component 162E →communication hole 10J→groove8F→communication hole 10K→component 162D→communication hole 10L→groove8G→fluid discharge port 170.

FIG. 37 shows a path following fluid supply port 171→groove8A→communication hole 10A→component 166A →communication hole 10B→groove8B→communication hole 10C→instrument 166F→communication hole 10D→groove8C→communication hole 10E→instrument 166B→communication hole 10F→groove8D→communication hole 10G→instrument 166C→communication hole 10H→groove8E→communication hole 10I→component 166E →communication hole 10J→groove8F→communication hole 10K→component 166D→communication hole 10L→groove8G→fluid discharge port 172.

In the integrated piping plate 1 having the two plates thus joinedtogether, all the grooves 8 (channels) are formed in one plane, and thegrooves 8 (channels) may have to be bypassed. To bypass the grooves 8,the size of the integrated piping plate 1 may have to be increased.

In FIGS. 36 and 37, the number of the instruments and components issmall, and the number of the grooves 8 (channels) is also small, so thattheir differences are not very marked. Actually, however, manyinstruments and components as shown in FIG. 49 are connected together.Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, the grooves 8 (channels) are also so many asto make a maze. As a result, it is often difficult to secure thenecessary channel sectional areas, or to accommodate the instruments andcomponents in a compact manner while securing dimensions for separationamong the fluids with different temperatures. In the three-dimensionalintegrated piping plates of FIGS. 30 to 35, the instruments andcomponents are connected three-dimensionally by the two-stage grooves 8(channels), so that the layout of the grooves 8 can be simplified, andthe instruments and components can be disposed in a compact state. InFIGS. 30 to 35, the grooves 8 are provided in the joining surface of theplate 2 and the joining surface of the plate 3, but the grooves 8 may beformed in the joining surfaces of the intermediate plate 161.

FIGS. 38 and 39 show configuration examples in which a high temperaturezone and a low temperature zone are separated using a three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate.

In FIG. 38, a low temperature/high temperature mixed instrument 181, alow temperature instrument 182, a low temperature/high temperature mixedinstrument 183, and a high temperature instrument 184 are disposed onone surface of a three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1 (a surfaceof a plate 3). Grooves 8 connecting these instruments are formed in twostages, i.e., in joining surfaces of the plate 3 and an intermediateplate (in the illustrated example, the joining surface of anintermediate plate 161) and joining surfaces of a plate 2 and theintermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, the joining surfaceof the plate 2), and the upper-stage grooves 8 define a low temperaturezone where a low temperature fluid flows, while the lower-stage grooves8 define a high temperature zone where a high temperature fluid flows.

In FIG. 39, a low temperature/high temperature mixed instrument 185, alow temperature instrument 186, and a low temperature/high temperaturemixed instrument 187 are disposed on one surface of a three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate 1 (a surface of a plate 3), while a hightemperature instrument 188 and a high temperature instrument 189 aredisposed on the other surface of the three-dimensional integrated pipingplate 1 (a surface of a plate 2). Grooves 8 connecting these instrumentsare formed in two stages, i.e., in joining surfaces of the plate 3 andan intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, the joiningsurface of the intermediate plate 161) and joining surfaces of the plate2 and the intermediate plate 161 (in the illustrated example, thejoining surface of the plate 2), and the upper-stage grooves 8 define alow temperature zone where a low temperature fluid flows, while thelower-stage grooves 8 define a high temperature zone where a hightemperature fluid flows.

In this case, it is effective to provide a heat insulator between theplate 2 and the intermediate plate 161, although this is not shown.

In the foregoing description, the provision of one intermediate plate161 between the plates 2 and 3 is described. However, this is notlimitative, and two or more intermediate plates may be provided betweenthe plate 2 and the plate 3. That is, four or more plates may be joinedto constitute the three-dimensional integrated piping plate. When two ormore intermediate plates are provided, the grooves 8 (channels) are alsoformed in joining surfaces between the intermediate plates, whereby evenmore grooves 8 (channels) can be provided.

As described above, according to the integrated piping plate of thepresent embodiment, the constituent instruments and components areconnected by the grooves 8 provided in the plate 2 or plate 3. Thus, thechannels corresponding to the conventional piping are present in theintegrated piping plate, and small instruments, such as valves,electrical components, such as sensors or switches, and electricalwiring can also be assembled into the plate 2, or plate 3, or plate 2and plate 3. Thus, the entire apparatus such as the fuel cell powergeneration system, etc. can be easily modularized, and downsized.Moreover, it suffices to assemble the respective constituent instrumentsand components to predetermined positions, and there is no need for acomplicated pipe laying operation in a narrow space. Thus, the assemblywork is easy and the work efficiency is increased. Furthermore, thereare few seams, reducing the risk of fluid leakage.

In addition, joining surfaces 2 a and 3 b of the plate 2 and the plate3, and the grooves 8 are coated with or lined with fluorocarbon resin,such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or covered with an aluminum oxide filmto form a corrosion-proof layer 29. By so doing, corrosion of thegrooves 8 by a corrosive fluid flowing through the grooves 8, orcorrosion of the plate joining surface by ingredients contained in theadhesive 4 can be prevented to ensure the long life of the integratedpiping plate 1. This technique of providing the corrosion-proof layercan, of course, be applied not only to one integrated piping plate, buta plurality of integrated piping plates. For example, thecorrosion-proof layer may be provided on the grooves or plate joiningsurface in the three-dimensional modules of FIGS. 7 to 13, or thecorrosion-proof layer may be provided on the grooves or plate joiningsurface in the rest module of FIG. 14, although these modes are notshown. Further, the corrosion-proof layer can be provided on the groovesor plate joining surface in three-dimensional integrated piping plateshaving an intermediate plate as shown in FIGS. 30 to 35 or FIGS. 38 and39.

Besides, the plate 2 and the plate 3 are welded at the position of theweld line 30 surrounding the periphery of the groove 8, whereby a fluidflowing through the groove 8 can be sealed up reliably at the site ofthe weld line 30. This weld sealing technique is, of course, notrestricted to the integrated piping plate in a configuration as shown inFIG. 5, and can be applied, for example, to integrated piping plates inany configurations, such as the three-dimensional modules shown in FIGS.7 to 13, the rest module shown in FIG. 14, and the three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate shown in FIG. 30, although these applicationsare not shown.

In addition, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.)having respective components and instruments assembled thereto arethree-dimensionally modularized, with their back surfaces beingsuperposed. By so doing, further downsizing can be achieved, thechannels and control system for fluids can be shortened, response can bequickened, and control can be facilitated.

Also, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.) areintegrally fixed via a heat insulator 16 a to constitute a heatinsulating three-dimensional module 18A. This measure makes it possible,for example, to dispose low temperature instruments 28 a, 28 b, such ascontrol instruments, in the integrated piping plate 1B in proximity tohigh temperature instruments 27 a, 27 b disposed in the integratedpiping plate 1A.

Also, a heat insulating three-dimensional module 18B is constituted byintegrally connecting and fixing a plurality of integrated piping plates1 (1A, 1B, etc.) via separators 31. By so doing, it is possible, forexample, to separate the high temperature integrated piping plate 1Ahaving high temperature instruments 27 a, 27 b disposed there on, andthe low temperature integrated piping plate 1 having low temperatureinstruments 28 a, 28 b disposed thereon by the separators 31. Thus,thermal influence from each other can be avoided. Moreover, a heatinsulating effect can be further enhanced by interposing heat insulators130 between the back surfaces 2 b of the plural integrated piping plates1 (1A, 1B, etc.) and the separators 31.

Also, constituent instruments 139, 140 of the apparatus are interposedbetween the back surfaces 2 b's of a plurality of integrated pipingplates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.), whereby the spacing between the integratedpiping plates can be effectively used, and the apparatus can be furtherdownsized. Furthermore, the integrated piping plates are separated fromeach other by the constituent instruments 139, 140, so that a heatinsulating effect can be expected. Particularly when the heat insulators130 are interposed between the instruments 139, 140 and the integratedpiping plates 1A, 1B, the heat insulating effect becomes marked.

Also, a plurality of integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.) aredisposed on the same rest 32 with a heat insulating spacing L, so thatthese integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.) can ignore (prevent)thermal influence from each other. If a heat insulator 145 is interposedbetween the integrated piping plates 1 (1A, 1B, etc.) and the rest 32, aheat insulating effect is further enhanced.

Also, a heat shutoff groove 35 is provided between a high temperaturezone where high temperature instruments 33 a, 33 b, 33 c are disposed,and a low temperature zone where low temperature instruments 34 a, 34 bare disposed, on the same integrated piping plate 1. Thus, heat from thehigh temperature zone can be shut off to avoid thermal influence on thelow temperature zone. Furthermore, a heat insulator is filled into theheat shutoff groove 35, or a refrigerant, such as air or water, isflowed into the heat shutoff groove 35, whereby the heat shutoff effectbecomes very high.

Also, instead of forming the corrosion-proof layer in the groove 8,corrosion resistant piping 151 is accommodated in the groove 8, and acorrosive fluid is flowed through the corrosion resistant piping 151. Byso doing, even if the grooves 8 (channels) are numerous and complicated,corrosion resistance to the corrosive fluid can be easily ensured,without need for an advanced machining technology. Moreover, it ispossible to select and use the corrosion resistant piping 151 of amaterial adapted for the properties of the corrosive fluid, so that thereliability of corrosion resisting performance is increased.Furthermore, treatment for corrosion resistance (channel formation usingcorrosion resistant piping) can be restricted to the channels for thecorrosive fluid. Thus, machining man-hours are reduced, and theintegrated piping plate 1 can be provided for a low price. Besides, whencorrosion resisting performance declines because of secular changes,corrosion resisting performance can be resumed simply by replacing thecorrosion resistant piping 151 accommodated in the integrated pipingplate 1, rather than replacing the integrated piping plate 1. Thus, thecost of maintenance can be reduced.

Also, when a flexible material is used as the material for the corrosionresistant piping 151, the corrosion resistant piping 151 can be insertedinto the groove 8 after integration of the integrated piping plate 1, orthe corrosion resistant piping 151 can be replaced. Thus,operationability can be improved.

Also, the end portion of the corrosion resistant piping 151 is joinedwith the use of a bearer 152 having a through-hole 152 b having aconical surface 152 c formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof, anda top-shaped component 153 having a conical surface 153 a formed in anouter peripheral surface thereof. By this measure, an operation forjoining the corrosion resistant piping 151 can be performed easily, andleakage of fluid can be prevented reliably. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 28, a bearer 152 and a plate 3 are integrally formed, or as shownin FIG. 29, an instrument 191 or a component 192 and the top-shapedcomponent 153 are integrally formed. By this measure, the number ofcomponents is decreased, and the joining operation is facilitated. Ifthe corrosion resistant piping 151 of a highly rigid material is used,or the path of piping is complicated, the efficiency of the joiningoperating can be improved by dividing the bearer 152 into a plurality ofportions.

Also, there may be a case in which three or more plates 2, 3, 161 arejoined to constitute a three-dimensional integrated piping plate 1, andgrooves 8 are formed in joining surfaces between the plate 2 and theintermediate plate 161, in joining surfaces between the plate 3 and theintermediate plate 161, and if two or more of the intermediate plates161 are provided, in joining surfaces between the intermediate plate 161and the intermediate plate 161, whereby many grooves 8 are provided inagreement with many instruments and components. Even in this case, thelayout of the grooves 8 is simplified, and the instruments andcomponents can be arranged compactly. In this three-dimensionalintegrated piping plate 1, moreover, grooves 8 in a plurality of stagesare allocated to a high temperature zone and a low temperature zone, asillustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39. Consequently, thermal influence fromeach other can be eliminated.

In the above descriptions, stud bolts 6 are used as the fixing bolts forthe instrument and the component, but they are not limitative, andordinary bolts or through bolts may be used. In the above examples, an Oring 13 is used to seal the instrument or component, but it is notlimitative, and a gasket or the like may be used.

In the above descriptions, the fuel cell power generation system isdescribed, but it is not limitative. The present invention is effectivefor various types of apparatus, such as a fixed unit having piping andwiring built into the apparatus, e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic controldevice or combustion device for the general industry, and for a unitintegrated so as to be capable of assembly and transportation.

In the above examples, integrated piping plates in variousconfigurations are described. These configurations may be combined,where necessary. This is true of the integrated piping plates to bedescribed later on.

[Embodiment 2]

A machining method for an integrated piping plate 201 according to thepresent embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C. Asshown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C, when a plate 202 and a plate 203 are tobe joined for integration, the first step is to superpose the plate 202and the plate 203. In the plate 202, a groove 208 to serve as a channelfor a fluid (liquid or gas) has been machined. In the plate 203,communication holes 210 as a communication between the fluid channelgroove 208 and instruments or components constituting an apparatus, suchas a fuel cell power generation system, have been machined. In thissuperposed state, a groove 221 to serve as a weld groove is machined inthe plate 203 so as to extend along the entire periphery of the fluidchannel groove 208. Then, this groove 221 for the weld groove is welded.

The fluid channel groove 208 is not restricted to a joining surface 202a of the plate 202, but may be formed in a joining surface 203 b of theplate 203, and the communication holes 210 are not restricted to theplate 203, but may be formed in the plate 202. The instrument andcomponent are not restricted to a surface 203 a of the plate 203, butmay be formed on a surface 202 b of the plate 202, or may be formed onthe surfaces 202 b, 203 a of both plates 202, 203. That is, theinstrument and component can be provided on one of or both of thesurfaces of the integrated piping plate 201. Nor is the groove 221 forthe weld groove restricted to the plate 203, but the groove 221 may beformed in the plate 202.

FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C show the state in course of machining. In thesedrawings, (I) portion shows a portion in which the groove 221 as theweld groove has been machined and welded, whereby the plates 202 and 203have been integrated. (II) portion shows a portion in which the groove221 as the weld groove has been machined and is scheduled to be weldedto integrate the plates 202 and 203. (III) portion shows a portion inwhich the groove 221 as the weld groove is scheduled to be machined andwelded to integrate the plates 202 and 203. Actually, the shape of thefluid channel groove 208 formed in the plate 202 is complicated, forexample, as shown in FIG. 21, but in FIGS. 40 to 44, is shown in asimplified manner for convenience of explanation.

This machining method will be described in further detail. The plate 203having the communication holes 210 machined therein is superposed on theplate 202 having the fluid channel groove 208 machined therein. Then, aweld groove machining tool 222 is moved while tracing the outerperiphery of the fluid channel groove 208, as indicated by an arrow X inFIG. 40A, in accordance with numerical control (tracer control) based onmachining data (numerical control data) on the fluid channel groove 208.By this measure, the groove 221 for a weld groove is formed in the plate202. That is, when the surroundings of the fluid channel groove 208shown in FIG. 40B are to be welded, a weld line for extending along theentire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 is formed at a suitabledistance e from the fluid channel groove 208, as shown in FIG. 40C,based on the machining data obtained when machining the fluid channelgroove 208 in the plate 202. The weld groove machining tool 222 is runalong this weld line to machine the groove 221 for the weld groove.

After the groove 221 for the weld groove is formed, a welding machine223 is caused to move while tracing the outer periphery of the fluidchannel groove 208 (along the weld line), as indicated by the arrow X inFIG. 40A, to weld the groove 221 for the weld groove, therebyintegrating the plate 202 and the plate 203. At this time, travelcontrol of the welding machine 223 (control of the welding position) isperformed in accordance with numerical control (tracer control) based onmachining data on the fluid channel groove 208 (numerical control data),as in the case of the weld groove machining tool 222, or based onmachining data on the weld groove machining tool 222 (numerical controldata). Weld groove machining and welding are performed continuously onone station, as shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B. That is, welding is startedin succession to weld groove machining.

The reason for the initiation of welding in succession to weld groovemachining (the reason for start of welding before completion of weldgroove machining) is as follows: If weld groove machining is completedbefore start of welding, an island-like portion surrounded with the weld221 for the weld groove, which has been formed by the weld groovemachining, becomes free, and this portion cannot be held at a fixedposition. The timing of starting welding may be immediately after startof weld groove machining, or may be a predetermined time after start ofweld groove machining. This timing can be set as desired.

FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C show the state in which the groove 221 for theweld groove has been welded up to the surface 203 a of the plate 203.However, this mode is not limitative, but welding may be kept within theleg length which enables the joining of the plates 202 and 203 to bemaintained. As the method of welding for the groove 221 for weld groove,MIG welding (metal inert gas sealed welding) or TIG welding (tungsteninert gas sealed welding) is suitable, but other welding method may beused.

According to the machining method of the present embodiment, joiningsurfaces 202 a, 203 b of the plates 202, 203 are welded so as to extendalong the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208, whereby theplates 202 and 203 are welded. This type of welding, compared withjoining of the plates 202 and 203 by an adhesive, increases thedurability of the plate joining portion, and constructs a firm weldstructure, thus increasing pressure resistance. Also, the coupling boltsfor the plates 202, 203 become unnecessary, so that the entireintegrated piping plate can be further downsized. Furthermore, thismachining method facilitates the line operation of joining procedure,and thus increases the work efficiency, contributing to a low cost.

The welding of the joining surfaces 202 a, 203 a of the plates 202, 203so as to extend along the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove208 is not restricted to welding so as to extend along the entireperiphery of each fluid channel groove 208 as shown in FIG. 41A, butincludes sharing of one weld line 250 (weld line sharing portion 250 a)between the adjacent grooves 208 for weld grooves as shown in FIGS. 41Band 41C. In FIGS. 41B and 41C, the adjacent fluid channel grooves 208are close to each other with a narrow gap d. For these fluid channelgrooves 208, therefore, only one weld line 250 (weld line sharingportion 250 a) extending along the entire periphery of one of the fluidchannel grooves 208 is formed, and this weld line sharing portion 250 ais shared with the weld line 250 extending along the entire periphery ofthe other fluid channel groove 208. Of course, the formation of thegroove 221 for weld groove so as to extend along the entire periphery ofthe fluid channel groove 208 is not restricted to forming the groove 221for weld groove so as to extend along the entire periphery of each fluidchannel groove 208 as shown in FIG. 41A, but includes sharing of onegroove 221 for weld groove (portion 221 a which shares the groove forweld groove) between the adjacent fluid channel grooves 208 as shown inFIGS. 41B and 41C.

Other machining method for an integrated piping plate 201 will bedescribed based on FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C. FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C show amethod for integrating a plate 202 and a plate 203 by use of frictionstir welding (hereinafter referred to as FSW), a welding techniquerendered publicly known by patent gazettes (Japanese Patent Nos. 2792233and 2712838).

As shown in FIG. 42A, the plate 203 having communication holes 210machined therein is superposed on the plate 202 having a fluid channelgroove 208 machined therein. Then, as shown in FIG. 42B, thesurroundings of the fluid channel groove 208 of the plate 202 arewelded. That is, as shown in FIG. 42C, joining surfaces 202 a, 203 b ofthe plates 202, 203 are welded so as to extend along the entireperiphery of the fluid channel groove 208 at a suitable distance f fromthe fluid channel groove 208 to weld the plate 202 and the plate 203.This mode is the same as in the machining method shown in FIGS. 40A, 40Band 40C, and so detailed explanations for it are omitted. Thedifferences from the machining method shown in FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40Cwill be described in detail below.

With the machining method shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C, machining ofthe groove for weld groove is not performed. First, a tip tool 225 a ofan FSW welding machine 225 for FSW welding is located at a start pointat which the welding is started. Its rotation is started, and an axialpressure is applied to it to insert the tip tool 225 a into the plate203 up to a position in a height direction which is suitable forintegration. By starting the rotation of the tip tool 225 a, frictionalheat is generated. Also, the tip tool 225 a is moved while tracing theouter periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 as shown by an arrow Yin FIG. 42A to weld the joining surfaces 202 a, 203 b of the plates 202,203 so as to extend along the entire periphery of the fluid channelgroove 208. At this time, travel control of the FSW welding machine 225(control of the welding position) is performed in accordance withnumerical control (tracer control) based on machining data on the fluidchannel groove 208 (numerical control data), like travel control of thewelding machine 223.

FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C show the state in course of machining. In thesedrawings, (I) portion shows a portion in which the plates 202 and 203have been integrated by welding. (II) portion shows a portion in whichwelding is scheduled to be performed to integrate the plates 202 and203.

The insertion of the tip tool 225 a into the plate 203 can befacilitated by machining beforehand a hole for insertion of the tip tool225 a at the position of the start point of FSW welding. However, thishole is not a prerequisite. The insertion is not restricted to the plate203, but the tip tool 225 a may be inserted into the plate 202, andwelding may be performed at the plate 202.

According to the machining method of the present embodiment, the joiningsurfaces 202 a, 203 b of the plates 202, 203 are welded so as to extendalong the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208 (of course,the welding is not restricted to welding so as to extend along theentire periphery of each fluid channel groove 208, but includes sharingof one weld line (weld line sharing portion) between the adjacentgrooves 208 for weld grooves), whereby the plates 202 and 203 arejoined. This type of welding, compared with joining of the plates by anadhesive, increases the durability of the plate joining portion, andconstructs a firm weld structure, thus increasing pressure resistance.Also, the coupling bolts for the plates 202, 203 become unnecessary, sothat the entire integrated piping plate can be further downsized.Furthermore, this machining method facilitates the line operation ofjoining procedure, and thus increases the work efficiency, contributingto a low cost. Besides, the adoption of FSW welding makes it unnecessaryto machine a groove for a weld groove, and thus can achieve an evenlower cost.

A description is given of a machining line for implementing themachining method for an integrated piping plate shown in FIGS. 40A, 40Band 40C. As shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B, the machining line (machiningequipment) for an integrated piping plate comprises a plate supplydevice 231, a groove machining device 232, a weld groove machining tool222, and a welding machine 223 arranged in a row in the direction of anarrow K1 in the drawing, and also has a plate supply device 234 placedlaterally of the weld groove machining tool 222 in a direction(direction of an arrow L1) perpendicular to the direction of the arrowK1. The weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding machine 223 areprovided in the same step.

A plurality of plates 202 piled on the plate supply device 231 are in await state. These plates 202 are fed, one by one, in the direction ofarrow K1 by the plate supply device 231, as desired, and transported tothe groove machining device 232 in the following step. The plate 202 onstandby in the plate supply device 231 is provided beforehand with amachining reference surface 235, or a machining reference point 236, orthe machining reference surface 235 and the machining reference point236, any of which has been machined in the plate 202.

In the groove machining device 232, the fluid channel groove 208 ismachined in the plate 202, which has been fed from the plate supplydevice 231, by numerical control based on the machining referencesurface 235, or machining reference point 236, or machining referencesurface 235 and machining reference point 236. In providing thecommunication holes 210 as well in the plate 202, the communicationholes 210 may be machined in the plate 202 by the groove machiningdevice 232. As the groove machining device 232, a milling device, alaser cutting device, or an end mill device is used. In FIGS. 43A and43B, one groove machining device 232 machines the fluid channel groove208 and/or communication holes 210 in one step. Depending on the volumeof machining, however, it is preferred that a plurality of the groovemachining devices 232 are provided, and the fluid channel grooves 208and communication holes 210 are machined in a plurality of steps.

The plate 202 having the fluid channel groove 208 and/or communicationholes 210 machined therein is fed from the groove machining device 232in the direction of arrow K1, and supplied to a subsequent step wherethe weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding machine 223 aredisposed. The plate 202, in which the fluid channel groove 208 andcommunication holes 210 have been machined by the groove machiningdevice provided at a site other than that on the machining line shown inFIGS. 43A and 43B, may be fed from the plate supply device 231 to thestep where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding machine223 are disposed. In this manner, the groove machining device 232 may beomitted from the machining line shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B.

A plurality of plates 203 are piled in a wait state in the plate supplydevice 234. These plates 203 on standby in the plate supply device 234are also provided beforehand with a machining reference surface 237, ora machining reference point 238, or the machining reference surface 237and the machining reference point 238 which has or have been machined.In the plate 203, communication holes 210 are machined beforehand. Whenthe plate 202 is supplied from the groove machining device 232 (platesupply device 231 if the groove machining device 232 is omitted) to thestep where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the welding machine223 are disposed, the plate supply device 234 also feeds the plate 203in the direction of arrow L1 into this step.

In forming the fluid channel groove 208 in the joining surface 203 b ofthe plate 203, the groove machining device for forming the fluid channelgroove 208 may be provided between the step where the plate supplydevice 234 is disposed, and the step where the weld groove machiningtool 222 and the welding machine 223 are disposed. Moreover, thecommunication holes 210 may also be formed by this groove machiningdevice.

In the step where the weld groove machining tool 222 and the weldingmachine 223 are disposed, the plate 203 supplied from one direction issuperposed on the plate 202 supplied from another direction, with themachining reference surfaces 235 and 237 in alignment, to fix thepositional relationship between the plates 202 and 203. Then, thejoining method explained based on FIGS. 40A, 40B and 40C is performed.That is, machining of the groove 221 for weld groove is started by theweld groove machining tool 222. Successively, welding of the groove 221for weld groove is started by the welding machine 223 to weld thejoining surfaces 202 a, 203 b of the plates 202, 203 so as to extendalong the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove 208. As the weldgroove machining device 222, a milling device, a laser cutting device,or an end mill device is used. As the welding machine 223, an MIGwelding machine or a TIG welding machine is used.

The plate supply device 231, groove machining device 232, weld groovemachining tool 222, welding machine 223, and plate supply device 234 areadapted to be controlled by control panels, i.e., a plate supply devicecontrol panel 242, a groove machining device control panel 243, a weldgroove machining tool control panel 244, a welding machine control panel245, and a plate supply device control panel 246, in accordance withinstructions from a central control panel 241. That is, these controlpanels 242, 243, 244, 245 and 246 perform machining of the plate 202 orplate 203 and tracer control for position, by commands from the centralcontrol panel 241, based on the machining reference surface 235 ormachining reference point 236 or machining reference surface 235 andmachining reference point 236 provided in the plate 202, or based on themachining reference surface 237 or machining reference point 238 ormachining reference surface 237 and machining reference point 238provided in the plate 203.

According to the machining line of the present embodiment, coherentmachining of the plates 202, 203 constituting the integrated pipingplate 1 can be easily performed, thus contributing to low-costequipment.

Next, a machining line for implementing the machining method for anintegrated piping plate shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C will beexplained based on FIGS. 44A and 44B.

The difference of the machining line in FIGS. 44A and 44B from themachining line in FIGS. 43A and 43B is that an FSW welding machine 225and an FSW welding machine control panel 246 shown in FIGS. 44A and 44Bare installed instead of the weld groove machining tool 222, weldingmachine 223, weld groove machining tool control panel 244 and weldingmachine control panel 245 shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B. Thus, thisdifference is described, and other features are not described.

As shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, when the plate 202 is supplied from thegroove machining device 232 (plate supply device 231 if the groovemachining device 232 is omitted) to the FSW welding machine 225, theplate supply device 234 also feeds the plate 203 to the FSW weldingmachine 225.

In the FSW welding machine 225, the plate 203 supplied from onedirection is superposed on the plate 202 supplied from anotherdirection, with the machining reference surfaces 235 and 237 inalignment, to fix the positional relationship between the plates 202 and203. Then, the joining method explained based on FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42Cis performed. That is, the joining surfaces 202 a, 203 b of the plates202, 203 are welded by the tip tool 225 a of the FSW welding machine 225so as to extend along the entire periphery of the fluid channel groove208.

The plate supply device 231, groove machining device 232, FSW weldingmachine 225, and plate supply device 234 are adapted to be controlled bycontrol panels, i.e., a plate supply device control panel 242, a groovemachining device control panel 243, an FSW welding machine control panel247, and a plate supply device control panel 246, in accordance withinstructions from a central control panel 248. That is, these controlpanels 242, 243, 247 and 246 perform machining of the plate 202 or plate203 and tracer control for position, by commands from the centralcontrol panel 248, based on the machining reference surface 235 ormachining reference point 236 or machining reference surface 235 andmachining reference point 236 provided in the plate 202, or based on themachining reference surface 237 or machining reference point 238 ormachining reference surface 237 and machining reference point 238provided in the plate 203.

According to the machining line of the present embodiment, coherentmachining of the plates 202, 203 constituting the integrated pipingplate 201 can be easily performed, thus contributing to the costreduction of the equipment. Furthermore, the adoption of the FSW weldingmachine 225 makes machining of the groove for weld groove unnecessary,and thus can achieve a further cost reduction.

The machining method (joining method) of the present invention is notnecessarily restricted to joining of the two plates 202 and 203, but isapplicable to joining of three or more plates. To join three plates, forexample, the first plate and the second plate may be joined by themachining method (joining method) of the present invention, and then thesecond plate and the third plate may be joined thereby.

Also, the present invention can be applied not only to machining of theintegrated piping plate for use in a fuel cell power generation system,but also to machining of the integrated piping plate for use in variousdevices.

[Embodiment 3]

FIG. 45A shows a plate 302 produced by forming depressions (hereinafterreferred to as grooves 301) of predetermined shapes, which serve asfluid channels, as a result of press working of an aluminum plate or analuminum alloy plate.

Press working is performed by plastic working a metal plate of a highlyplastic metallic material under pressure with the use of a mold havingan arbitrary shape. This is a machining technique with dimensionalaccuracy and excellent volume productivity. This technique can select acorrosion resistant material as an object to be machined.

FIG. 45B is a cross sectional view taken on line A1—A1 of the plate 302in FIG. 45A.

As shown in FIG. 45B, the cross sectional shape of the groove 301 is arectangular depression having a suitable width L2 and a suitable depthH2. For easy press working, a corner 301 a has suitable roundness R, anda side wall portion 301 b of the groove 301 is suitably inclined.

To maintain the flow velocity of a fluid, flowing through the groove301, at a predetermined value, it is necessary to vary the sectionalarea of the groove 301 according to each groove 301. In doing so, it isadvantageous in terms of assembly to keep the depth H2 of the groove 301constant and vary its width L2, where necessary, thereby ensuring apredetermined sectional area.

Since a corner 301 c at the bottom of the groove 301 has suitableroundness R, it is possible to minimize the difference in flow velocitybetween the center of the fluid and the periphery of the fluid incontact with the corner 301 c of the groove 301, thus decreasingstagnation of the fluid.

FIG. 45C is a cross sectional view taken on line A1—A1 of the plate 302in FIG. 45A, which represents another example. As shown in FIG. 45C, thecross sectional shape of the groove 301 is an arc-shaped groove in whichthe bottom of the groove 301 has a suitable radius R1.

The features and functions of this arced groove are the same as therectangular groove 301 explained in FIG. 45B. For easy press working, acorner 301 d of the arcuate groove has suitable roundness R, and thesectional area of the groove 301 is varied according to each groove 301so that the flow velocity of a fluid, flowing through the groove 301, iskept at a predetermined value.

Since the groove 301 is an arcuate groove having the radius R1 at thebottom, it is possible to minimize the difference in flow velocitybetween the center of the fluid and the periphery of the fluid incontact with the groove 301, thus decreasing stagnation of the fluid.

FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C show the examples produced by press working.However, the manufacturing method for the plate 302 having the groovesfor fluid channels is not restricted to press working, but may beshaping by precision casting. This machining method can prepare acasting with material uniformity and high dimensional accuracy, i.e., aplate having grooves for fluid channels, by forming a mold and pouringan arbitrary alloy or the like into the mold. With precision casting,unlike press working, a material other than a highly plastic material,such as aluminum, can be selected as a material for the plate, and likepress working, a corrosion resistant material can also be selected.Also, a plate of a complicated shape can be formed using a mold, and itssurface can be smoothed as in press working. Thus, it is possible toform grooves, without increasing excess resistance (conductance) in thegrooves for flow of fluids. Even according to this method, grooves as inFIGS. 45B and 45C can be formed.

Welding of the plates is performed by superposing the plate 303 havingcommunication holes 311 machined therein onto the plate 302 having fluidchannel grooves 301 formed therein, machining grooves for weld groovesin the plate 303 at suitable distances from the fluid channel grooves301 so as to extend along the entire peripheries of the fluid channelgrooves 301, and then welding the grooves for weld grooves byelectromagnetic force-controlled hybrid welding or the like, with theplates being gripped at a strong pressure. As a result, the plates arewelded, and the fluids flowing through the fluid channel grooves can besealed up reliably at the sites of the grooves for weld grooves. Thewelding method for the grooves as weld grooves may be MIG welding, TIGwelding, or other welding method.

FIGS. 46A, 46B and 46C show another example of the joining method for anintegrated piping plate according to the present invention. A method forjoining a plate 302 and a plate 303 by friction stir welding tointegrate them is shown below.

As stated earlier, friction stir welding (FSW method) is a weldingmethod rendered publicly known by Japanese Patent No. 2792233 and so on.The FSW method uses a material, which is harder than a base material tobe joined, as a probe (tip tool 308 a in FIG. 46B), presses the probeagainst the base material to be joined, periodically moves the probe incircular motions, etc. relative to the base material to generatefrictional heat. As a result, the base material is fused to create aplastic region. The plastic region is fused and solidified together withanother base material to be joined, whereby both base materials arewelded.

The FSW method, unlike other welding method, can weld base materials,without necessarily requiring a groove for weld groove during welding.Thus, the FSW method is suitable for an efficient machining operation.Apparatus involved in the FSW method does not need a great input power,but is capable of welding with a high efficiency. Thus, this method iseconomical, and can contribute to cost reduction. The method is alsoeasy to control, and has high positional accuracy, so that it issuitable for automation and volume production.

According to the FSW method, as shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B, the plate303 having communication holes 311 machined therein is superposed on theplate 302 having a groove 301 machined therein. Then, as shown in FIG.46C, the surroundings of the groove 301 of the plate 302 are welded at aposition separated by a suitable distance f so as to extend along theentire periphery of the groove 301 to perform welding.

Concretely, a tip tool 308 a of a welding machine 308 for the FSW methodis set at a start point at which the welding is started. Starting atthis point, the tip tool 308 a is rotated to generate frictional heat,and fuse the plate 303. During this course, the tip tool 308 a isinserted under pressure to a predetermined depth. A fusion zone of theplate 303 undergoes fusion and solidification together with the plate302, whereby the plate 302 and the plate 303 are welded and integrated.

In FIG. 46A, a region indicated by arrows in {circle around (1)} shows aportion of the plate 303 integrated by the FSW welding, and a regionindicated by arrows in {circle around (2)} shows a portion of the plate303 before being integrated by welding. {circle around (3)} shows aportion of the plates 302 and 303 fused and solidified as a result ofthe FSW method.

As shown in FIG. 47C to be described later on, joining may be performedby the FSW method applied in the plate 302.

FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C and 47D show an example of an integrated pipingplate according to the present invention.

FIG. 47A shows a side view of an integrated piping plate 304, whichcomprises a plate 302 and a plate 303 joined by FSW welding. A bracketof an instrument 305 and a component 305 a itself located on the plate303 are fixed by stud bolts 306 implanted in the plate 303 and nuts 307via sealing materials 310, such as O rings. The instrument 305 andcomponent 305 a fixed on the plate 303 communicate with each other by agroove 301 having a suitable sectional area through communication holes311, thus being capable of flowing a high temperature, high pressurefluid.

FIG. 47B shows joining by FSW welding to the plate 302 applied from theplate 303, while FIG. 47C shows joining by FSW welding to the plate 303applied from the plate 302. Since FSW welding does not require a groovefor a weld groove, the degree of freedom during machining is high asshown in these drawings. FIG. 47D shows, in a plan view, that theinstrument 305 and the component 305 a are connected by the groove 301through the communication holes 311.

FIGS. 48A and 48B show an example of an integrated piping plate in athree-dimensional configuration.

FIG. 48A is a side view of an example of the integrated piping plateaccording to the present invention constituted in a three-dimensionalconfiguration. Two integrated piping plates 304 and 304′ are mounted toeach other in a vertically opposed manner, and end portions of plates302 and 302′ are sealed by bolts 312 and nuts 313 via sealing materialsto constitute the three-dimensional integrated piping plate. Not onlyare the integrated piping plates made three-dimensional in a verticallyopposed manner as in the present structure, but can the integratedpiping plates be located, for example, in a perpendicular relationshipto form the three-dimensional integrated piping plate. By so doing, thespace can be used without waste, thus resulting in a very compactconfiguration. Furthermore, a refrigerant, such as air, is flowedthrough a space Q formed by the plates 302 and 302′ of the upper andlower integrated piping plates 304 and 304′, whereby a high temperaturefluid flowing through a groove 301 can be cooled. In this case, theplates 302, 302′ do not have an excess portion acting as a heat storageportion, because the plates 302, 302′ are shaped by press working orprecision casting. Moreover, the surface area for the refrigerant is sowide that cooling can take plate with high efficiency.

Joining of the opposed plates 302 and 302′ of the integrated pipingplates 304 and 304′ may be performed by the FSW method as shown in FIG.48B, as well as by the use of the bolts 312 and nuts 313.

Next, a fuel cell power generation system will be described as anexample of application of the integrated piping plate for use in a fixedunit incorporating piping and wiring into an apparatus, and atransportable integrated unit.

FIG. 49 shows an example of a system diagram of an ordinary fuel cellpower generation system. As shown in FIG. 49, a liquid fuel 441 a, suchas methanol, is vaporized by a carburetor 442 with the use of waste heator the like of a reformer 449, and heated by a heat exchanger 443. Then,the vapor is introduced into a desulfurization device 444 together withpart of a hydrogen-rich gas from a CO converter 446 to have its sulfurcontent removed. A gaseous fuel 441 b, such as natural gas, on the otherhand, bypasses the carburetor 442, and is directly supplied to the heatexchanger 443. If a fuel with a low sulfur content is used, thedesulfurization device 444 may be omitted.

The fuel gas, which has been desulfurized, is heated by a heat exchanger448 together with steam 447 generated by a steam separator 445, and isthen fed to the reformer 449. In the reformer 449, the fuel gas isreformed to generate a reformed gas rich in hydrogen. The reformed gasfrom the reformer 449 is cooled by a heat exchanger 450, and then carbonmonoxide in the reformed gas is converted to carbon dioxide in the COconverter 446.

The reformed gas from the CO converter 446 is further cooled by a heatexchanger 451, and then introduced into a condenser 452, where unreactedsteam is removed by condensation. Condensate separated from thecondenser 452 is sent to the steam separator 445, and fed again as steam447 to the reformer 449. The reformed gas departing from the condenser452 is heated by a heat exchanger 453, and then fed to a fuel cell body454, where hydrogen in the reformed gas is used for a cell reaction.

Air 458 supplied as an oxidizing agent is heated in a heat exchanger459, and introduced into the fuel cell body 454, where oxygen in the air458 is used in the cell reaction.

An exhaust gas from the fuel cell body 454 is heated in a heat exchanger460, and brought into a condenser 461, where water formed is removedupon condensation, and discharged to the outside of the system. Theresulting water is also fed to the steam separator 445, where it is usedas steam 447. Since the cell reaction in the fuel cell body 454 is anexothermic reaction, the fuel cell body 454 and peripheral devices aregenerally provided with a cooling device 462 using water or air as arefrigerant.

Another exhaust gas containing unreacted hydrogen from the fuel cellbody 454 passes through a splitting machine 472, and is used, togetherwith external air 468, as a heating fuel 467 for the reformer 449performing an endothermic reaction. The remaining exhaust gas is treatedwith a burner 473, and then discharged. If the heating fuel 467 isinsufficient at this time, part of an outlet gas from thedesulfurization device 444 is used as an auxiliary fuel 476. Acombustion exhaust gas from the reformer 449 is partly used as a heatsource for the carburetor 442. The remainder is cooled in a heatexchanger 474, then fed to a condenser 475, and released into theatmosphere after separation of the resulting water. The resulting wateris returned to the steam separator 445.

Next, an outline of control in the fuel cell power generation systemwill be described. First, the flow rate of the reformed gas to be fed tothe fuel cell body 454 is controlled by detecting a load current to aload 466 by an ammeter I, sending its signals to a control device 469,and opening or closing a flow control valve 470 a or 470 b based onsignals from the control device 469. The amount of supply of steam 447necessary for reforming of the fuel gas is controlled by detecting theflow rate of the fuel gas by a flow meter 477, and opening or closing asteam flow control valve 471 based on signals from the control device469. The temperature inside the reformer 449 is constantly monitored bya temperature sensor T, and controlled by flow control valves 470 a, 470b for fuels 441 a, 441 b.

As described above, various instruments, components, wiring and controlinstruments are disposed in the fuel cell power generation system. Largepiping and small piping are provided complicatedly so that fluids orgases with various properties, temperatures and pressures flow amongthese devices. Particularly in a transportable, integrated system forloading on a vehicle, efforts have been made to arrange numerousinstruments and pipe lines at a high density in a narrow space fordownsizing. The integrated piping plate is applied as means for thispurpose. In fuel supply facilities of the fuel cell power generationsystem shown in FIG. 49, piping for fuel supply is the groove 301 in theplate 302, and the flow control valves 470 a, 470 b and flow meter 477for flow rate control are disposed on the plate 303. These measures canresult in an integrated piping plate for controlling the flow rate offuel flowing through the groove 301.

In the above examples, the fuel cell power generation system has beenillustrated. However, the present invention can be applied not only toan integrated piping plate for use in the fuel cell power generationsystem, but also to an integrated piping plate for use in variousapparatuses.

While the present invention has been described by the presentembodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limitedthereto, but may be varied in many other ways. Such variations are notto be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilledin the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. Machining equipment for an integrated piping plate composed of aplurality of plates joined together, and in which an instrument and acomponent constituting an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument isdisposed, or the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces ofthe integrated piping plate, and the instrument and the component areconnected, or the instrument is connected, or the component isconnected, by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of theplates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising:plate supply means for supplying the plates having the fluid channelgrooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid channel grooves andthe communication holes, formed therein beforehand; weld groovemachining means for forming grooves for weld grooves in the plates,which have been supplied by the plate supply means, so as to extendalong entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, the plate supplymeans supplying one plate from one direction and superimposing the sameon another plate supplied from another direction; and welding meanswhich, in succession to machining of the grooves for the weld grooves bythe weld groove machining means, welds the grooves for the weld groovesto weld the joining surfaces of the superimposed plates around theentire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joining theplates.
 2. Machining equipment for an integrated piping plate composedof a plurality of plates joined together, and in which an instrument anda component constituting an apparatus are disposed, or the instrument isdisposed, or the component is disposed, on one of or both of surfaces ofthe integrated piping plate, and the instrument and the component areconnected, or the instrument is connected, or the component isconnected, by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of theplates, and communication holes formed in the plates, and comprising:plate supply means for supplying the plates; machining means for formingthe fluid channel grooves, or the communication holes, or the fluidchannel grooves and the communication holes, in the plates supplied bythe plate supply means; weld groove machining means for forming groovesfor weld grooves in the plates, which have been machined by themachining means, so as to extend along entire periphery of the fluidchannel grooves, the plate supply means supplying one plate from onedirection and superimposing the same on another plate supplied fromanother direction; and welding means which, in succession to machiningof the grooves for the weld grooves by the weld groove machining means,welds the grooves for the weld grooves to weld the joining surfaces ofthe superimposed plates around the entire periphery of the fluid channelgrooves, thereby joining the plates.
 3. Machining equipment for anintegrated piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joinedtogether, and in which an instrument and a component constituting anapparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the componentis disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated pipingplate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or theinstrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid channelgrooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communicationholes formed in the plates, and comprising: plate supply means forsupplying the plates having the fluid channel grooves, or thecommunication holes, or the fluid channel grooves and the communicationholes, formed therein beforehand, the plate supply means supplying oneplate from one direction and superimposing the same on another platesupplied from another direction; and friction stir welding means forwelding the joining surfaces of the superimposed plates, which have beensupplied by the plate supply means, around entire periphery of the fluidchannel grooves, thereby joining the plates.
 4. Machining equipment foran integrated piping plate composed of a plurality of plates joinedtogether, and in which an instrument and a component constituting anapparatus are disposed, or the instrument is disposed, or the componentis disposed, on one of or both of surfaces of the integrated pipingplate, and the instrument and the component are connected, or theinstrument is connected, or the component is connected, by fluid channelgrooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communicationholes formed in the plates, and comprising: plate supply means forsupplying the plates; machining means for forming the fluid channelgrooves, or the communication holes, or the fluid channel grooves andthe communication holes, in the plates supplied by the plate supplymeans, the plate supply means supplying one plate from one direction andsuperimposing the same on another plate supplied from another direction;and friction stir welding means for welding the joining surfaces of thesuperimposed plates, which have been machined by the machining means,around entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, thereby joiningthe plates.
 5. The machining equipment of claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, furthercomprising: control means for performing numerical control as tracermeans for machining.
 6. A machining apparatus for an integrated pipingplate, arranged so as to superimpose a second plate on a first platehaving fluid channel grooves machined in a joining surface, and frictionstir weld the first plate and the second plate, comprising: frictionstir welding means which, in welding the first plate and the secondplate, is arranged to insert a tip tool of a friction stir weldingmachine only into the second plate up to a position where the firstplate and the second plate can be welded by frictional heat generated byrotating the tip tool, and move the tip tool while following an outerperiphery of the fluid channel grooves, so as to enable friction stirwelding the joining surfaces of the first plate and the second platearound the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, to join thefirst plate and the second plate.
 7. Machining equipment for anintegrated piping plate, arranged to superimpose a second plate on afirst plate having fluid channel grooves machined in a joining surface,and friction stir weld the first plate and the second plate, comprising:plate supply means for supplying the first plate having the fluidchannel grooves formed therein beforehand, and the second plate; andfriction stir welding means which, in welding the first plate and thesecond plate supplied by the plate supply means, is arranged to insert atip tool of a friction stir welding machine only into the second plateup to a position where the first plate and the second plate can bewelded by frictional heat generated by rotating the tip tool, and tomove the tip tool while following an outer periphery of the fluidchannel grooves, so as to enable friction stir welding the joiningsurfaces of the first plate and the second plate around the entireperiphery of the fluid channel grooves, to join the first plate and thesecond plate.
 8. Machining equipment for an integrated piping plate,arranged to superimpose a second plate on a first plate having fluidchannel grooves machined in a joining surface, and friction stir weldthe first plate and the second plate, comprising: plate supply means forsupplying the first plate and the second plate; machining means forforming the fluid channel grooves in the first plate supplied by theplate supply means; and friction stir welding means which, in weldingthe first plate machined by the machining means, and the second plate,is arranged to insert a tip tool of a friction stir welding machine onlyinto the second plate up to a position where the first plate and thesecond plate can be welded by frictional heat generated by rotating thetip tool, and to move the tip tool while following an outer periphery ofthe fluid channel grooves, so as to enable friction stir welding thejoining surfaces of the first plate and the second plate around theentire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, to join the first plateand the second plate.